GLADSTONE — Businesses and city organizations are invited to participate in the Gladfest Sam the Scarecrow Contest in Gladstone. The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 13.

The contest sees groups create freestanding and decorative scarecrows that aid the decor of the annual festival where Sam the Scarecrow is the mascot. According to the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce, the contest “is a fun, festive way to get your business noticed by the entire community.”

The contest is free to enter.

Scarecrows must have a height of at least 3 feet and no taller than 6 feet and must be freestanding. Participants are responsible for transporting and setting up scarecrows at Gladfest. Scarecrows will be displayed outdoors so construction must be sturdy enough to withstand the elements, and all ornamentation must be securely attached.

Following Gladfest, scarecrows will be available for pick-up on Oct. 8 at the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce.

To complete entry, email a picture of the scarecrow displayed at the business to info@gladstonechamber.com.

The grand prize is a lunch for the office or organization. Voting is done electronically.

All scarecrows must be dropped off between noon and 4 p.m. at Gladfest on Oct. 4 at Linden Square, 602 NE 70th St.

For more details, contact the Gladstone Area Chamber of Commerce at 436-4523 or email info@gladstonechamber.com.