By Steve Sears

The Hackettstown Business Improvement District, with WRNJ Radio and Wells Fargo, will hold its 4th Annual Scarecrow Contest presented by Visions Federal Credit Union through Nov. 18.

The contest is open to all Hackettstown businesses, and there is no fee for entering. The HBID Event Committee will judge all scarecrows by Oct. 26, and the winner receives receive 50, 30-second radio spots on WRNJ, a total value of $1,500. WRNJ will announce the winner on Oct. 31.

“The idea came to us from a sales representative from the Easton Express/ Express Times,” says Jim Sheldon, Hackettstown Business Improvement District president.  “Over the years, the turn has leveled off around 15 or so. The process is a simple one. We come up with a theme and then we promote it, then residents or businesses call our office to reserve their choice and then they build them and place them on display.”

Hackettstown BID businesses will be displaying scarecrows around town with the following theme: “Kids Animated Movie Characters, taking inspiration from diverse characters, creepy and cute alike” theme. The 2017 winner was Hackettstown Health Foods, with a Count Dooku from Star Wars scarecrow.

Also being held is a Scarecrow Selfie Contest, the selfie with the most likes winning $25 in BID Bucks to spend at any business in Hackettstown.

Per Sheldon, the event significantly aids all in the township.

“It gives the vehicles and their riders a unique perspective as they ride through town,” he says. “Plus, by asking for the public to take a selfie with their favorite, it gets them involved in the process. As for Sheldon, he enjoys the displays himself. “I like to see the creative creations throughout town.”

The Hackettstown BID was formed in June 2004 and has approximately 400 members. Per the BID website, “The primary goal of the Hackettstown Business Improvement District is to improve the economic potential of each and every business that is located within the district. By providing a clean, safe, attractive business district that meets the needs of residents, customers, owners, and employees, the Business Improvement District promotes Hackettstown as a desirable location to visit and invest.”

Sheldon also adds that there are other October events scheduled with a Halloween theme.

“October 27, Saturday, we have our 5th annual Halloween Parade at 3:30. The parade begins on the front yard of Centenary University’s Sea Building at 2:30 p.m. The parade route is down Moore Street to the Gazebo at the corner of Main and Moore Streets. There Mars Wrigley Confectioners and the Hackettstown PD will be there handing out free candy. Also, the participants can go around town visiting the participating merchants to get free candy from them also. Over the years this has been extremely successful.”

For more information on all events, call the BID office at 908-850-5004 or email Jim Sheldon, director@hackettstownbid.com.