One of the favorite local events at this time of year is Rincon’s annual scarecrow contest, and the city has now made participating in it easier.

Organizers have eliminated the registration process. All anyone needs to do to participate in Rincon’s fourth annual Scarecrow Showoff Contest is display a scarecrow in front of their home or business and upload a photo of it by Oct. 25 to the Web site RinconRec.com/Scarecrow.

"Last year, a total of 24 local businesses participated and received at least one vote. This, year our goal is to increase both participation in the contest and voting by at least 15 percent," said Jim Finlen of the Rincon Recreation Department.

Winners will be chosen in the residential category and the business/church/non-profit category. The first-, second- and third-place finishers in each category will choose one of the following prizes:

• Free city of Rincon water/utility bill, up to $75

• Round of golf for two anytime, including cart fees, at Lost Plantation golf course

• $50 gift card to Lost Plantation for the pro shop, the Grille or playing golf.

The community will select the contest winners through online voting. To vote, visit RinconRec.com/Scarecrow between Oct. 28-30 and pick three favorite scarecrows.

While the scarecrow contest is a popular local event, it’s not just Rincon residents who enjoy it.

"I think people from outside of Rincon make it a point to visit just to drive down Highway 21 and see the scarecrow display, which brings more customers and recognition to local businesses," Finlen said.

For more information, email the recreation department at recreation@cityofrincon.com or call 826-0238.