The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

See funny, wacky and weird scarecrows designed by local businesses, groups and families at the 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, beginning Oct 8.

The event is the largest Scarecrow Festival in Texas with dozens of scarecrow designs, and this event provides an opportunity for families and people of all ages to celebrate the change of seasons and view scarecrows of all shapes and sizes.

As in past years, the theme focuses on "environmentally-friendly" scarecrows. The scarecrows will be created from re-cycleable and/or repurposed items and line the walkways along with autumn flowers and decorations honoring the fall season.

Visitors to Shangri La will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite scarecrow and prizes will be awarded at the event finale, Autumn Fair, Saturday, November 1. The Autumn Fair event is fun for everyone and will include face painting, pumpkin decorating and a variety of all-inspired games throughout the Gardens.

Entry forms to create a scarecrow are online at www.shangrilagardens.org. Group tours are available for the Scarecrow Festival and Autumn Fair events and calling ahead is strongly encouraged.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Avenue, Orange. For more information visit www.shangrilagardens.org.