Photo Gallery: Scarecrows Descend on Downtown

Heavy rains kept the scarecrows away only for a few days. Residents and businesses gathered at the Cranford gazebo at Springfield and N. Union Avenues Monday afternoon to tie their holiday creations to lampposts and storefronts across Cranford's downtown.

Hosted by the Downtown District Management Corporation, the annual Scarecrow Stroll offers individuals the chance to vote for their favorite scarecrows. Voters will have a tough time of it this year with about 130 to choose from.

The final vote will be tallied after October 31, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places, as well as a prize for the top scarecrow by a business owner.

Click through this gallery of scarecrows for a glimpse at the competition. Pick up a ballot at stores downtown, at the library or at the community center.

Select the thumbnails to see larger images. Click on the arrows to browse the photo gallery.