Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling is just around the corner for the Okotoks community, and the Olde Town Merchants Group have gotten into the competitive spirit.

The group is holding a unique contest with the businesses in Olde Town this year that ties in with Septembers Harvest Festival and the curling event taking place at the end of the month.

Community events coordinator Mark Doherty says that for the past five years the town has made scarecrows for the Harvest Festival and now the businesses of Olde Town Okotoks are being challenged to make their own scarecrows. However, instead of making the scarecrow families like the Blues Brothers the town built, the businesses are being challenged to make Curling Crows.

"We are hoping this will draw curling fans from outside the community as well as in the community to come to down to Olde Town and check them out as well as spend a few dollars," Doherty says.

With the range of businesses located in Olde Town, it will also show variety in the curling crows that are made.

Doherty adds that this is not just a fun event for the businesses of Olde Town Okotoks but also is a great opportunity for small businesses since the grand prize is a $400 advertising prize package from the Eagle 100.9 and the Western Wheel.

"The Grande Slam of Curling is finished at the end of October, and that is just on the eve of Christmas season, so having $400 worth of advertising is huge to a small business owner trying to promote his business for Christmas."

Along with the promotion of the event through local media, the Town will be showcasing the winner at their booth at the Grand Slam of Curling.

"We want to bring our winning curling scarecrow to Pason Centennial Arena to show him off and entice people to go see the rest of his buddies in downtown."

All Curling Crow submissions are to be sent to the Olde Town Merchants group at oldetownokotoks@gmail.com with the Bussines name and contact.

While people can vote by going to the Olde Town Okotoks Facebook page and like their favorite Curling Crow to vote, if you share your favorite you will also be entered to win prizes.