MADISON — Families, pets and scarecrow-costumed participants will take over downtown Madison on Oct. 10 for the second annual Scarecrow Stroll, a half-mile event followed by games, music, food and awards.
The stroll will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Main Street near the railroad tracks and continue through The Village at Madison before ending at the Madison the City Welcome Center and Business Network office at 2023 Main St.
Participants are asked to arrive by 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Jones Street and Main Street for check-in and staging. Organizers recommend parking on the west side of the railroad tracks so pedestrians do not have to cross the tracks.
Participants are encouraged to dress as non-scary scarecrows. People can walk or participate using bicycles, tricycles, unicycles, scooters, wheelchairs, golf carts, skateboards, battery-powered kiddie cars, strollers or wagons.
Dogs are welcome, but cars, trucks, Gators, horses and four-wheelers are not allowed.
Children who walk in the stroll must be at least 5 years old. Younger children must ride in a stroller, wagon, kiddie car or similar device. Children and pets must be supervised by adults.
Participants may hand out candy, but items cannot be thrown from the procession.
Following the stroll, children can enjoy the Kids Zone in The Village at Madison while adults can sample and judge entries in the Scarecrow Tailgate Showdown at the Welcome Center. DJ Adam will provide music during the afternoon.
Awards will be presented at 5 p.m. for the stroll and Tailgate Showdown. Stroll awards include Best Child’s Costume, Best Adult Costume, Best Group and Best Pet Costume.
Organizers say entries must be festive and cannot be used solely for advertising.
Registration for the Scarecrow Stroll is open through Oct. 5, 2026. Participants must submit an entry form to reserve a place in the stroll.
