Downtown Fort Mill is packed with 150 scarecrows, and residents can help pick a winner through Sunday, Oct. 25.
The Town of Fort Mill's 12th Annual Scarecrow Crawl opened public voting Wednesday, Oct. 7. Residents vote by liking photos in the official Scarecrow Crawl photo album on the town's Facebook page. Only "likes" on that album count toward the People's Choice Award and Best Town of Fort Mill Department Entry awards, according to the town's Scarecrow Crawl page.
This year, 150 businesses, schools, families and community groups entered the free event, WBTV reported. The annual tradition draws thousands of visitors to downtown Fort Mill. The scarecrows have been on display since Friday, Oct. 2, and will remain through Saturday, Oct. 31.
Town Manager Gordon Burnette called the event "one of those traditions that reminds us what makes Fort Mill such a special place to call home." He said the town is grateful to local businesses, schools, families and town departments for their entries.
Scarecrows are judged across 10 categories, including Most Fort Mill Spirit, Most Creative, Most Complex, Best Theme and Best Family Entry. Town staff also select a separate Town Staff Choice Award winner, bringing the total to 11 awards.
The Fort Mill History Museum's entry this year honors Martha Bratton, a celebrated Revolutionary War figure in South Carolina history, in recognition of America's 250th anniversary. The museum created the scarecrow with support from the Culture and Heritage Museums, according to the museum's event page.
The event is free.
Beyond voting, the town launched a Scarecrow Crawl Scavenger Hunt and a Fall 2026 Duck Hunt alongside the event. Both contests offer gift cards and Town of Fort Mill items as prizes.
Residents with questions can contact Events Coordinator Jacona Hester at [email protected].
Upcoming Scarecrow Crawl dates:
- Sunday, Oct. 25 — Public voting closes
- Tuesday, Oct. 27 — Winners announced on the town's social media pages
- Saturday, Oct. 31 — Scarecrow displays come down
