By Becky Holland
COCHRAN, Ga. — Scarecrows from across the decades will soon be popping up around downtown Cochran as part of the 2026 Scarecrow Decorating Contest.
Cochran Downtown Development Authority is inviting businesses, churches and other organizations to participate in the annual fall tradition. This year’s theme is “Scarecrows Through the Decades.”
Participants may choose any decade from the 1900s or early 2000s as inspiration for their scarecrow. Organizations will select an available downtown location and create a display reflecting their chosen era. Additional locations will be made available if needed.
Scarecrows should be placed downtown between Oct. 7 and Oct. 14. Judging will take place Oct. 15 and 16, with winners announced during the Great Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Contest organizers have also outlined several guidelines. Live plants, fresh pumpkins, squash and similar items may not be used in displays. Participants are responsible for maintaining their scarecrows while they are on display, and all displays must be removed by Nov. 7.
Organizers note that failure to follow the contest guidelines could disqualify a participant from future contests.
Those interested in participating should contact Cochran Downtown Development Authority Director Ken Land to register and claim a location.
Land may be reached by phone at 478-934-2965, by text at 478-308-2029 or by email at Ken@CochranDowntown.com.
The contest is another part of the community’s fall activities leading up to the Great Pumpkin Festival and gives local organizations a chance to add a little creativity — and perhaps a little nostalgia — to downtown Cochran.
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