Newtown Middle School students set up entries in this year’s My Favorite Scarecrow Sculpture Contest this past weekend. They are on display now through this Sunday, October 26, on the Queen Street school’s front lawn.

Each year, prior to Halloween, groups of eighth grade students are challenged to design and create a “larger than life” scarecrow not only with a theme, but also with the durability to survive inclement weather.

The students are given a $30 spending limit on their projects, and each scarecrow is voted on by students and community members, for $1 per vote, which should each be accompanied with a ballot.

Dozens of sculpted creations have arrived for this year’s competition.

The money generated by the votes is split among the three top vote-getters and donated to the charity of the winners’ choice.

Voting on the scarecrows is open while the creations are on view for the public. The scarecrows are set to be taken down on Sunday, October 26.

Ballots are available at the school and here to print at home. Votes can be submitted with the $1 payment for each vote to either NMS, 11 Queen Street, or dropped off at The Bee's 5 Church Hill Road office. Votes can also be submitted in person to volunteers overseeing the scarecrows on Sunday, October 26, between 10 am and 4 pm.

Results will be announced the week of October 27 at NMS, and in the October 31 print edition of The Newtown Bee.