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- Special Interest
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- United States
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- First Sunday of July
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Build A Scarecrow Day arrives every first Sunday of July, inviting everyone to embrace this charming agricultural tradition. Originating from ancient practices to protect crops, scarecrows are both functional and a delightful form of folk art. Gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and give your garden a whimsical, watchful guardian.
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Expected Build A Scarecrow Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that retailers often offer deals on gardening and crafting supplies for Build A Scarecrow Day. Expect major home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s to feature sales on straw, lumber, and garden tools. Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels may provide discounts on fabrics, paints, and decorative elements perfect for giving your scarecrow personality. Even general merchandise stores like Target and Walmart might highlight seasonal outdoor decor. Local nurseries and garden centers are also likely to have specials on seeds, plants, and other essentials for a thriving garden protected by your new creation. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July approaches.
Platform Guide for Build A Scarecrow Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BuildAScarecrowDay. Share photos of your creative scarecrow designs, from traditional to whimsical, and inspire others to protect their gardens.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BuildAScarecrowDay. Film a fun time-lapse video of your scarecrow construction, showcasing the transformation from materials to finished guardian.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BuildAScarecrowDay. Share your family’s scarecrow-building traditions and tips for keeping garden pests away.
Build A Scarecrow Day Hero
The Ancient Farmer
History of Build A Scarecrow Day
Although very little is known about the origins of Build a Scarecrow Day, scarecrows have been around for centuries and can be found in many cultures worldwide. The oldest record of a scarecrow is in ‘Kojiki,’ a Japanese book written in 712 A.D. The book mentions a scarecrow called Kuebiko, described as a deity who cannot walk but knows everything about the world.
The earliest mention of a bird-scaring device was in 1390 when children were sent into fields with sacks on their backs and poles attached to startle birds away from crops. The first known use of the word scarecrow was in 1560, although this referred to an actual human who stood in fields to frighten birds away from crops.
Farmers eventually built scarecrows that looked like people so that birds would be too afraid to approach the fields because it looked like people were working in them. This kept birds from eating the seeds they planted so that they could grow into crops that could be harvested and sold or eaten.
Build A Scarecrow Day timeline
Ancient Egyptians use straw scarecrows, or in some cases, even slaves, to scare away birds from their crops.
The oldest literary record of a scarecrow is in 'Kojiki,' a Japanese book.
Children serve as bird-scaring devices as they are sent into fields with sacks on their backs and poles attached to them to startle birds away from crops.
The first known use of the word ‘scarecrow’ refers to an actual human who stands in fields to frighten birds away from crops.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Build A Scarecrow Day
Local businesses can celebrate Build A Scarecrow Day by hosting community workshops or offering themed product bundles. Garden centers and hardware stores can provide kits with straw, stakes, and old clothing pieces, along with tips for construction. Craft stores can run classes on decorating scarecrows with unique accessories. Restaurants might feature ‘harvest-themed’ dishes or decorate with whimsical scarecrows to draw in families looking for a fun outing. Encourage customers to share their creations on social media for a chance to win prizes or discounts.
Build A Scarecrow Day FAQs
When is Build A Scarecrow Day?
Build A Scarecrow Day 2026 falls on Sunday, July 5, inviting families and gardeners to create their own whimsical guardians.
How old is the tradition of building scarecrows?
The tradition of using scarecrows dates back thousands of years, with evidence suggesting their use in ancient Egypt to protect wheat fields along the Nile.
What are common materials used for scarecrows?
Traditionally, scarecrows are made from straw, old clothes, and a sturdy wooden cross for a frame. A pumpkin or sack can serve as the head.
Are scarecrows still effective in modern farming?
While traditional scarecrows have limited effectiveness on their own, they remain a popular deterrent in small gardens and can be part of a broader pest management strategy.
Build A Scarecrow Day Activities
Create your own scarecrow
Tie the material you choose for stuffing around the frame to create the body of the scarecrow. Next, put the clothing on and tie it at the ends of each arm and leg with string or twine. Although not entirely necessary, you can put shoes on and fasten them tightly with more string or twine, so they don't fall off.
Dress up like a scarecrow
Dressing yourself up in the raggedy attire of a scarecrow is a fun way to celebrate the day. You can also invite friends over and have a dress-up party.
Decorate your garden
A scarecrow is a great addition to any yard, especially if you have a garden that birds like to raid. If not, they make good garden decor. Some people even go as far as making them look like themselves or other people they know.
5 Facts About Scarecrows
No two scarecrows are exactly alike
It’s impossible to build precisely the same scarecrow.
Different place, different name
Scarecrows are also known as strawmen, tatterdemalion, ragamuffin, and shaggy’s.
Scarecrow village
There is a Japanese village called Nagoro, which has 35 inhabitants, but over 350 scarecrows.
World record for scarecrows
The U.K.'s National Forest Adventure Farm holds the world record for the largest gathering of scarecrows ever in one place, with 3,812 scarecrows on display at once.
Comic-book character
The comic-book publishers Marvel and D.C. both have a character called Scarecrow, although the two are very different.
Why We Love Build A Scarecrow Day
It brings back memories
Nowadays, scarecrows are rarely used in agriculture. With Build A Scarecrows Day, we bring back memories of them.
The festival
The Build A Scarecrows Day Festival draws large crowds every year. This creates the opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy the entertainment on offer.
Quality time
The day gives families the chance to spend quality time together. Kids will be delighted with the various scarecrow-themed activities.
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