Join us for the 11th annual SQUAREcrows Contest on the Downtown Gainesville Square!
Wander through the heart of Gainesville and admire the fun, quirky, and sometimes spooky designs. Whether you’re competing or just enjoying the festive atmosphere, the SQUAREcrow Contest is a perfect way to celebrate the season and showcase the spirit of our vibrant downtown!
2024 Layout Map (2025 Map Coming Soon!):
Contest Rules / How To Apply:
Contest Rules: Pictures will be taken in the afternoon on October 16th and posted on Facebook. The photo with the most likes on Halloween wins! The winning prize will be a $150 gift certificate to a downtown business of choice!
Entry Requirements and Display Information:
- The 2025 SQUAREcrows contest is limited to 61 spots.
- We encourage clever, family-friendly creativity! Your SQUAREcrow can advertise your business or organization, hours, and location and let everyone know what you are about.
- Your exhibit space will be notated by a bale of hay with a laminated contestant sign attached that shares the description you provide about your display. We will send out a location map once all entries are received so you will easily be able to find your location. Spaces are assigned by the order in which applications are received.
- Electricity is not provided, however upon request could be considered.
- Keep in mind this is a public area, so do not use anything in your display that you would want returned to you in perfect condition. You will need to check in on your display from time to time, as they can easily move or be damaged by weather. Consider ways to stabilize your display.
Set-Up and Breakdown:
- Set-up begins on October 10th and concludes October 16th at noon.
- One bale of hay and a laminated contestant sign will be provided for you. You are welcome to bring in more hay and anything else you would like to use in your display.
- ALL display items you bring to the square must be removed after Halloween, no later than November 2nd.
- The hay bales provided can be left, as well as any non-painted or altered hay bales you bring. They will be donated to a local farm!
- Anything left downtown after November 2nd will be discarded. If you do not remove your display and leave it for our team to clean up, you will be asked not to participate again.
*Applications for 2025 Open on Aug. 1st and Close Oct. 5th*
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor for the SQUAREcrows Contest?
$250 Hay Sponsor
- All sponsorships which include printed materials must be confirmed 4 weeks before the event.
- Sponsorships which include digital materials only must be confirmed 1 week before the event.
- Free Contest Entry
- Post on Downtown Gainesville’s Facebook Page
click here for sponsorship information
