Crowfest Chatham-Kent organizers are developing a decorative idea that they hope will give the municipality yet another event to crow about: a Citywide Residential Decorating Contest.
Prizes for the top three homes, as determined by a set of mystery judges, and the people’s choice winner, will be selected.
Plus, they’ll win cash. First prize is $500. Second prize and the people’s choice selection earn $250 each, while third prize pockets $150.
The outdoor contest is the brainchild of Jan Reinhardus and Connie Beneteau. The idea is to expand Crowfest, which takes place from Sept. 18-21 this year, outside the downtown core.
“It’s something that families can enjoy,” Reinhardus said. “We’re just trying to get more families involved. They do come down and see the buskers, however.”
World-famous buskers will perform during Crowfest once again. There will also be an Olde Crows Tea on Sept. 18, C-K’s Got Talent the same day, the MasCROWade Ball on Sept. 19, a Crowfest Costume Contest, and Busk After Dusk on Sept. 21. Artists will be creating works at various shops in the downtown area during Crowfest as well.
But the decorating contest is the kick-start for the festival. Benetau said people have between now and Sept. 13 to register to take part.
After that point, judges will review the outdoor entries. Reinhardus said the public is encouraged to view them as well, and vote on the people’s choice option.
The winners will be announced Sept. 18.
However, the organizers would love to see set-up work as it happens.
“We’re asking people to send us their preparations up to and including the finished product to be shared on social media,” Beneteau said.
As for what the decorations could entail, the organizing duo said it can be spooky, creepy, fall-harvest oriented, you name it.
“We’re asking for an element of crow,” Reinhardus said.
Beneteau said several people have already signed up.
To register or to ask questions, email crowfestresidentialcontest@gmail.com. You can also register at crowfestck.com under “Events.”
The contest is only open to Chatham residents this year, but the hope is that interest will spark it to expand in future years.
