Hoxie Homes and HomeTown Bank Named Winners in 18th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour
The votes are in, and the scarecrows of Waconia were better than ever! The 18th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour showcased imaginative entries from over 40 businesses, bringing fall vibes to the streets.
The People’s Choice Award went to Hoxie Homes & Remodeling for their out-of-this-world creation, “E.T. Phone Hoxie Homes.” Set against a glowing full moon, the display recreated the iconic movie scene of a boy on a bike soaring through the sky with E.T. in the basket. With 111 community votes, this nostalgic tribute to the 80s classic was a standout among both voters and judges.
HomeTown Bank earned the Grand Prize for their enchanting display, “There’s No Place Like HomeTown Bank.” Inspired by Wicked, the scene featured skeleton versions of Glinda and Elphaba surrounded by a handmade crown and scepter, a glittering Emerald City, and other details, while tying the business name into the display. The attention to detail and craftsmanship made it an eye-catching standout on this year’s tour.
Several honorable mentions stood out in the People’s Choice category, finishing among the top five in community voting. New Perspective Senior Living’s “Paul and Babe” showed true Minnesota pride, featuring Paul Bunyan and his companion Babe the Blue Ox as a festive fall planter. The Uptown Apartments caught voters’ attention with “Save the Pumpkins,” which paired pink décor and a clever theme to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Waconia Veterinary Clinic’s spooky “NEVERMORE A-cat-EMY” brought the Addams Family and Netflix’s Wednesday vibes just in time for Halloween. HomeTown Bank was also a community favorite, rounding out the top five in the People’s Choice voting.
Meanwhile, the judges gave special recognition to several other standout entries. First Years Academy’s “Don’t Let the Teachers Drive the Bus” was a nod to Mo Willems’ children’s book Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Philp Family Dentistry knocked it out of the park again with their Happy Gilmore-inspired display, “Happy Grinmore: You Don’t Want a Hole in One!” Judges also noted the craftsmanship behind the Waconia Patriot’s “Minecraft: Havin’ a Blast,” created by the Pleasant Valley 4-H Club.
A panel of judges chose the Grand Prize winner, while the community voted on the People’s Choice winner. Over 600 votes were cast in the People’s Choice category, a strong show of community support and engagement for this favorite fall tradition. Prizes for community voters were donated by Paws Inn Pet Essentials, Ruthie’s House Vintage, Shape It Up Fitness, The Stash, and the Waconia Chamber of Commerce.
The Waconia Chamber hosts the Waconia Scarecrow Tour annually to highlight member businesses, encourage community engagement, and spotlight Waconia as a fun destination. To see all the scarecrows, visit the Waconia Chamber of Commerce Facebook page or DestinationWaconia.org.
About the Waconia Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, member-driven organization with a mission to promote a positive business environment and to enhance the quality of life in the Waconia community.