Central Steuben Chamber Hosts Scarecrow Contest

Penny Carlton • September 16, 2025

Straw-Filled Fun: Our Community Scarecrow Contest

The Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of its cherished annual Scarecrow Contest, a beloved autumn tradition that invites residents, businesses, and organizations to showcase their creative flair. As the fall season unfolds, participants have the opportunity to enhance the festivities with their own unique, handcrafted scarecrow displays.


This contest welcomes all members of the community, including families, local businesses, schools, and civic groups. Participants are encouraged to design their scarecrows to be amusing, spooky, or whimsical, but all entries must be family-friendly and appropriate for public viewing.


Key Contest Details: 


**Entry Deadline:** All entry forms must be submitted by October 15th, along with a photo and contact information, to Steubenchamber@gmail.com. 


**Voting:** Public voting will occur from October 16th to October 24th. The public can cast their votes online at the Chamber's website: Centralsteubenchamber.com or on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CentralSteubenChamberofCommerce. 


**Winner Announcement:** Winners will be revealed at the Trunk or Treat event on October 25th, with prizes awarded for the top three most creative entries.


"Our annual scarecrow contest is a fantastic way for the community to unite and celebrate the season," stated Rosemary Celeli, Director of the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce. "We can’t wait to see the imaginative scarecrow creations that bring so much charm and character to our community each year."


Founded in 1924, the Central Steuben Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and advance the civic, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and tourism interests of the Central Steuben County, New York region. We strive to cultivate a network of local businesses to foster economic growth, development, and tourism in the area, and in collaboration with other tourism partners, we host a variety of events for the local community.


Media Contact:

Rosemary Celelli 

Director 

Steubenchamber@gmail.com 

607-776-7122 

CentralSteubenChamber.com

By Penny Carlton September 17, 2025
A Conversation with Author Brian Rudolph 
By Penny Carlton September 15, 2025
Hammondsport Heritage Celebration From Grapes to Great Flights — Discover Our Legacy
By Penny Carlton September 12, 2025
Celebrating Roots, Community, and Fall
By Penny Carlton September 10, 2025
Glenn Curtiss Museum Presents Wings & Wheels “Wheels on the Ground, Wings in the Sky”
By Penny Carlton September 9, 2025
Kass' Kettle: Fundraisers, Special Events & The Windmill
By Penny Carlton September 8, 2025
Mother - Daughter Duo Scoops & Blooms
By Penny Carlton September 5, 2025
Listen to the echoes of Keuka.
By Penny Carlton September 4, 2025
It wasn't the story I intended to write...
By Penny Carlton September 3, 2025
Meet the Meredyth - Nurturer of Wellness. For decades, the Lake Street Plaza in Penn Yan has greeted visitors with open arms. Renowned for its historical importance and a vibrant mix of tenants, including Lake Street Plaza Theatres, locals affectionately refer to it simply as "the plaza." Currently, it is experiencing a revitalization, reflecting a burgeoning trend of local investment in community growth and its pivotal role in the Penn Yan area. Fresh roots have been planted, and new beginnings are taking hold. Perhaps one of the most exciting new developments at The Lake Street Plaza came early this summer when Dr. Meredyth McMichael turned her vision into reality. The Green Doctor Farmers Market opened in the front parking lot of the plaza featuring local vendors, who all have a deep connection to the soil. The Green Doctor Farmers Market offers a diverse selection, including locally cultivated produce, bouquets of vivid hues, and delicious baked goods crafted from ingredients sourced within the community. During the week, Dr. Meredyth is a chiropractor and nutritionist, a beautiful and vibrant woman who has a passion for her role as an ambassador for health and wellness. Her commitment to helping you live your healthiest life derived from her own health journey. She understands not everyone is the same and helps you find the programs that fit your lifestyle. Dr. Meredyth also hosts a podcast, “Mindful Moments with Meredyth.” She says, “It’s so easy to get confused and overwhelmed with all the information about health circulating the internet today. During my Mindful Moments I discuss current health trends and my opinions on them! As always, I encourage my viewers to take what resonates, leave what doesn’t and start living a healthier life.” Want a weekly serving of nutrition, chiropractic and other healthy information delivered to your inbox? Take a moment to check out her website and sign up for her weekly newsletter, The Healthy Scoop! At home Meredyth and her husband are proud backyard gardeners. From the contentment of setting tender seedlings into the rich Keuka soil to joy of the harvest, she understands the value of the land that will soon feed the body. Active in the Yates County Farm Bureau, she embraces the history of agriculture like an old friend with a warm embrace. Why The Green Doctor Farmers Market? It all started as a thought that crossed her mind while she was at the gym in the plaza a year ago. Like all things dear to one's heart, that idea began to flourish. Her objective was to establish an environment that fosters community engagement, engaging both vendors and patrons who visit and appreciate the diverse selection of products available. She expresses that one of the most rewarding aspects of The Green Doctor Farmers Market is witnessing vendors forge meaningful connections, reminiscent of traditional communities where life unfolded at a more leisurely pace, allowing neighbors to cultivate strong relationships that often spanned generations. Meredyth shared, "One of the flower vendors is a dear woman who has devoted years to her passion for growing flowers. She has formed a bond with a young woman just starting her own journey in floriculture. Their friendship has blossomed beyond the farmers market, where they have exchanged petals of wisdom and nurtured a camaraderie rooted in their shared love for flowers." She added, “the sense of community developing among the vendors is rooted in mutual respect and a sincere desire to support one another's growth. And who knows, if not for The Green Doctor Farmers Market, their paths might have never intersected.” With about six weeks left in the 2026 season at The Green Doctor Farmers Market, they warmly welcome new vendors to join them. Managed by Dr. Meredyth, the market operates with a unique philosophy. Vendor spot fees are set at just $10.00, and there is no obligation to participate for the entire season. This flexible approach is designed to meet the diverse needs of vendors throughout the summer and fall months around Keuka. If you have a product you’d like to share with the community, sign up here . The Green Doctor Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 AM to noon, with the final market occurring on October 11th. If you’re seeking a delightful and relaxing way to spend your Saturday morning, I highly recommend visiting The Green Doctor Farmers Market at the Lake Street Plaza. You’ll leave not only with a bag full of wholesome treats, but with a deep sense of connection to Keuka and its community. The roots of Keuka whisper - generational roots embracing and nurturing new roots. Learn more about Meredyth
By Penny Carlton September 2, 2025
Soapmaker with a pen - Hutton Farm Soaps and More
Show More