Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center welcomes the community to the 16th Annual Scarecrow Festival in celebration of the fall season! Scarecrow Festival is open to the public from October 6-24, with two additional fall events, Sip and Stroll on October 15 and Autumn Fair on October 24, offering even more pumpkin season fun. Admission to Scarecrow Festival and both events is free of charge.
Scarecrow Festival invites visitors to stroll through fall flowering displays, thousands of pumpkins and more than 60 unique scarecrow exhibits. The festival showcases the talent and creativity of community members who create one-of-a-kind scarecrow displays featuring recycled and repurposed materials. Scarecrows are always innovative, inspiring and kind to their world. Visitors may also vote for their favorite scarecrow exhibit, with the winners announced at Autumn Fair.
“Scarecrow Festival is a great fall tradition because it brings our community together in such a creative way,” said Angie Mason, executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. “Each year, we look forward to seeing the imagination that goes into the scarecrow exhibits and welcoming families and visitors of all ages to celebrate the season with us.”
Scarecrow Festival is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.). Throughout the festival, visitors can explore the seasonal colors and plantings found across the Gardens alongside the pumpkins and scarecrow displays.
“We invite the community to come experience the many colors of autumn found in our seasonal plant displays during your visit to Scarecrow Festival. Our hardworking horticulture team has been installing crotons, marigolds and millet to enhance the festive atmosphere,” said Jennifer Buckner, director of horticultural operations at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
For an opportunity to experience the scarecrows after hours, visitors are encouraged to attend Sip and Stroll on Thursday, October 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m, scarecrow trail closes at 7:15 p.m.).
During Sip and Stroll, Pendulum Hearts will perform live music throughout the evening while Free State Cellars Winery will offer a specially curated picnic box and wine, available for pre-order. Wine by the glass and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase onsite. To provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all guests, complimentary tickets can be reserved online in advance for this event.
“Sip and Stroll offers a special opportunity to experience Scarecrow Festival and the Gardens after hours,” said Mason. “Guests can stroll through the scarecrow exhibits, enjoy live music and take in the beauty of the Gardens on a fall evening. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, spend time together and enjoy the season.”
Fall celebrations conclude with Autumn Fair on Saturday, October 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day of Autumn Fair will be the last opportunity to view the unique scarecrow exhibits and vote for a favorite before the winners are announced. Visitors can experience a day filled with fun, hands-on activities including a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, Outpost Tours along Adams Bayou and much more. Autumn Fair promises fall fun for the whole family.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange, Texas. For more information about Scarecrow Festival, Sip & Stroll and Autumn Fair, visit shangrilagardens.org.
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