Calling all Scarecrows

Shangri La's annual Scarecrow Festival will return Oct. 12 through Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration for entries is now underway online at Shangri La's website. Deadline to register is Oct. 6.

Participation is free and open to individuals (18+), youth groups, businesses, organizations and families.

This would be a fun family activity, both to build a scarecrow scene, then later, check out all the creations from other families and organizations. It is also a great way for smaller organizations and businesses to bring awareness they exist in the area.

There is a limit of 50 spaces and a limit of one entry per individual or group.

Scarecrows in this festival are anything but traditional. Past entries have included a life-size horse built of twigs, scarecrows in cars built of recycled materials, frogs from tires, firecrows, witches, school rooms with scarecrow students, a "Fempress of Fun," woodland fairies and more.

Participants are encouraged to use recycled materials as often as possible. Hazardous items are prohibited, including tiki torches, candles, gas-powered generators or other flammable objects. Plastic, rubber or store-bought masks are not allowed.

The entries must be designed to withstand outdoor weather. If fresh produce is used, it must be replaced as necessary. They must stand or sit on their own props supplied by entrant. Scarecrows can be no taller than 7'6'' and fit in a 5'x5' space.

The rules state, "the Scarecrow Festival and Autumn Fair are events for children of all ages. Scarecrows may be funny, scary, or quirky, but they must also be in good taste." Offensive or violent entries or those expressing controversial, political or religious views will be removed at Shangri La's discretion.

The complete rules and regulations can be found on Shangri La's website.

Winners will be chosen by popular vote of visitors, both in person and online. The categories include business I (50 employees or fewer), business II (50+ employees), school, organization (civic/community group), individual, family, and church. Votes will be cast electronically at www.shangrilagardens.org and voting is open to the public. Winners will be announced during the Autumn Fair, which is the last day of the Scarecrow Festival, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. on Facebook Live. Names of winners, as well as images from the contest, will also be posted on the Shangri La Gardens' website.

Additional recognition may be given for scarecrows that best reflect the mission of Shangri La Gardens and/or merit recognition for design/materials excellence, as determined solely at the discretion of Shangri La Gardens.

During the event, Shangri La will also exhibit fall flowering displays, thousands of pumpkins, and autumn decorations throughout the gardens.

To ensure entry into the gardens during the Scarecrow Festival, free timed tickets will be available on Shangri La's website starting Friday, Oct. 1, to limit capacity at any given time. Timed tickets are required for the Autumn Fair, Nov. 6.

The Autumn Fair will include several family-friendly activities to get you in the mood for fall.

Shangri La is located at 2111 West Park Avenue in Orange. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday free of charge from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information call 409-670-9113 or visit www.ShangriLaGardens.org.