Shangri La holds annual Scarecrow Festival

Shangri La Botanical Garden and Nature Center's Scarecrow Festival is in full swing, featuring creations designed by local businesses, schools, families and groups. This annual festival takes place from Oct. 16 through Nov. 10, and features unique scarecrow designs, fall flowers and autumn decorations throughout Shangri La.

Ranging from funny to festive, dozens of scarecrows line the garden walkways, and designs include everything from traditional scarecrows to entire scenes featuring groups of characters.

During Scarecrow Festival, visitors are asked to vote for their favorite scarecrow, with prizes being awarded at Autumn Fair on Nov. 10. Autumn Fair is family-friendly event with a variety of crafts, fun and games for children of all ages.

A new event for this year's Autumn Fair is a Pumpkin Pie Baking Contest. Contestants will have the opportunity to submit their best pie and recipe for a year's worth of bragging rights until Autumn Fair next year. Entry forms must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. Contest rules and entry forms can be found on Shangri La's website at www.shangrilagardens.org.

Shangri La Director Michael Hoke says, "The Scarecrow Festival is a great way for families to share time together and have some wholesome fun. It is really interesting to see the new creations that groups come up with each year. I am always pleasantly surprised."

Located at 2111 West Park Avenue, Shangri La is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. After November 11, Shangri La will no longer be open on Sunday.