Tolland Planning 2026 Harvest Festival, Scarecrow Contest Around America 250 Theme

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland's Permanent Celebration Committee has started planning for the town's annual Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival, with a special theme set for 2026.

According to the committee's announcement, the event will celebrate America's 250th anniversary and organizers are inviting past participants and attendees to take part again.

The committee said scarecrow displays for the 2026 contest are being asked to reflect the spirit of honoring the nation's 250-year journey.

In the announcement, the committee wrote, "We are asking that all scarecrow displays reflect the spirit of honoring our nation's 250 year journey." The same message also encouraged a patriotic look on the Green, stating, "We'd love our Tolland Green to explode with patriotic pride!"

The annual Harvest Festival also will be tied to the anniversary theme. According to the announcement, the festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is described as part of the town's annual fall tradition, with the 2026 edition centered on the national milestone.

The committee also signaled that this year's planning is beginning well ahead of the event date so residents, participants and attendees can keep the celebration in mind. In the announcement, the committee wrote, "As participants and attendees who may be considering joining in the fun again this year, we wanted to let you know about plans for a special theme around our 2026 event." The committee added, "We will be celebrating America's 250th anniversary and hope you will join us."