EASTAMPTON – Seventeen scarecrows are on display at Historic Smithville Park and it’s time for Burlington County residents and visitors to vote for their favorite. Voting in the annual Burlington County Scarecrow Contest has started and will continue through Nov. 2 when the winners will be announced at 6 PM that evening during Burlington County’s Autumn Lands festival at Smithville Park. The scarecrows are on display along Park and Maple avenues and features residents’ versions of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, Cruella de Vil, Gru and his Minions, scarecrow softball players, scouts, a firefighter, Eagles football fan and more. Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel checks out some of the scarecrows on display at Historic Smithville Park as part of this year’s Burlington County Scarecrow Contest. Pictured are Commissioner Eckel with a firefighter scarecrow created by a group from the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey.(Courtesy of Burlington County) To vote, visit https://burlingtoncountynj.formstack.com/forms/scarecrow_contest_voting_2024 to select your favorite. The top three vote recipients receive prizes. “The Scarecrow Contest is one of our Burlington County’s longstanding fall traditions and this year’s entries once again reflect the incredible artistic talent and creativity of Burlington County’s residents, groups and businesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Check out all 17 scarecrows in beautiful Smithville Park and then vote for your favorite.” Visitors to the park can vote for the scarecrow they like best on the premises using a smartphone and the County’s free Wi-Fi service. Look for “Burlco” in your network list and select it to connect.  QR codes are also located on signs next to the scarecrow to provide easy access to the voting portal. “Our County expanded free public Wi-Fi to Smithville and other County parks last year so that visitors can stay connected and access important online applications and services,” said Hopson. “It was an important enhancement, and the scarecrow contest is one example of how visitors benefit from having the free service available.” Visitors are also encouraged to download the Burlington County Parks System’s free mobile app, which is available at both Apple and Google Play stores. The app provides easy access to trail maps, park information, facility rentals and registration for parks activities, programs and classes. Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton and includes the remains of the village of Smithville, a once thriving Victorian-era industrial town where woodworking machines and the famed American Star Bicycle were manufactured. Burlington County bought the village in 1975 and remade it into Burlington County’s first County park. “Burlington County has one the best parks systems in the region and Smithville is one of its biggest and most popular assets,” Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Residents from across the region and beyond continue to discover Smithville and rave about its unique blend of history and natural beauty. Autumn is a great time to experience the park, and the scarecrows are another reason to visit.” — Courtesy of Burlington County