Fenimore Farm Announces Call for Artists for Inaugural Scarecrow Village: Once Upon a Time

Call for Artists and Makers

Fenimore Farm & Country Village is inviting artists, community groups, schools, businesses, and creative makers of all ages to submit proposals for this year’s Scarecrow Village: Once Upon a Time, a whimsical autumn experience celebrating fairy tales, folklore, fantasy, and beloved storybook characters.

Set against the backdrop of Fenimore Farm’s historic country village, Scarecrow Village will be a self-guided walking tour featuring imaginative outdoor displays with one-of-a-kind handmade scarecrow creations inspired by classic tales and legendary characters. Organizers are now seeking original designconcepts from artists and creators interested in participating in the seasonal installation.

This Year’s Theme

This year’s Once Upon a Time theme encourages participants to draw inspiration from fairy tales, folklore, fantasy worlds, nursery rhymes, literary classics, historical legends, and imaginative storytelling traditions. From dragons and enchanted forests to storybook heroes and mythical creatures, artists are encouraged to think creatively and bring their interpretations to life through scarecrow design.

Selected Submissions

Selected scarecrow installations will be displayed throughout the grounds during the fall season, offering visitors a playful and immersive experience celebrating creativity, storytelling, and community participation.

Fenimore Farm welcomes submissions from professional artists, amateur creators, schools, nonprofits, families, and community organizations. Applications are now open, and interested participants are encouraged to submit a concept proposal outlining their scarecrow design idea. Submissions will be reviewed based on creativity, craftsmanship, originality, and alignment with the event theme. Artists and groups interested in participating can access the online application here:

Additional information regarding guidelines, deadlines, installation requirements, and participation details can be found within the application.

Scarecrow Village Season

Scarecrow Village: Once Upon a Time will be open from September 26 – November 1st and will be included with regular admission. To pre-purchase admission tickets go to: www.fenimorefarm.org or you can purchase at the door.

About Fenimore Farm & Country Village

Located in Cooperstown, New York, Fenimore Farm & Country Village brings 19th-century rural New York to life through its historic village, working farm, exhibitions, demonstrations, and seasonal events.