It’s time to breakout the creativity and participate in the Trailmasters annual “Scarecrows in the Park” event, organizers said Friday.

The event, which is sponsored by the Frank Jackson Trailmasters, is in its fifth year, and is held at Frank Jackson State Park, in October and November.

“We’re going to start Monday washing the gourds and getting them ready,” said Jane Short, who’s known as the “gourd queen.”

Short said last year there were around 450 scarecrows set up along the trails at the park.

“We don’t have a goal this year,” she said. “But we do encourage all businesses, organizations, churches and individuals to have fun and join in. It’s a county and beyond thing. It’s not just an Opp thing.”

And it’s great marketing strategy, with upward of 5,000 people coming through during the season.

Those interested in having a scarecrow in the park can use their imaginations to create their own scarecrows, officials said.

Materials used range from PVC pipe to wood, coat hangers, gourds and tomato cages.

“You can use anything,” Short said. “Be imaginative, but make sure it’s child-friendly. We don’t want anything obscene and scary.”

The group suggested that participants not use anything they can’t live without, such as grandmother’s bonnet.

Displays will be set up Sept. 24, through Sept. 27, and a grand opening celebration will be held Sept. 28, at 10 a.m.

Groups interested in taking a tour of the exhibit, should contact Short at 493-7248 or Jenelle Kelsoe at 493-4419.

The group doesn’t charge for the exhibit, but there is a nominal fee to get into Frank Jackson State Park.