Now that it’s officially October, the fall frenzy is underway. Every October, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange hosts the largest Scarecrow Festival in Texas with dozens of hand-crafted scarecrow exhibits displayed throughout the gardens. Created by talented members from community organizations, businesses, schools, churches and families, scarecrow designs range from funny to clever to wacky and weird – no two scarecrows are ever the same.
For those who have never been to Shangri La Botanical Gardens, shame on you. It’s nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange at 2111 W. Park Ave. and is an ecological wonderland and living museum for visitors of all ages to explore.
Celebrate the changing of the season at their 14th Annual Scarecrow Festival held Oct. 8-26. The Southeast Texas community is invited to enjoy the unique scarecrow contest exhibits, fall flowering displays such as marigolds and crotons, thousands of pumpkins, and autumn decorations displayed throughout Shangri La Gardens. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.
“It’s a beautiful time of year to see Shangri La Botanical Gardens,” said Angie Mason, executive director. “All of the fall colors you can think of are here, even the sunflowers. What excites me the most is the scarecrow creativity. It gets better and better every year.”
The scarecrow exhibits are always innovative, inspiring and kind to the world as they are created with repurposed and recycled materials. Visitors may also vote for their favorite scarecrow exhibit in the Scarecrow Festival.
For the first time, visitors will also get a chance to view the scarecrows at night during the Sip and Stroll – Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5-8 p.m. “This is a perfect chance for those who can’t get to Shangri La during the day,” said Mason. “The community can discover all the gardens have to offer throughout this after-hours experience while enjoying live music and treats during the golden hour. Admission is also free.”
Shangri La Botanical Gardens has teamed with Free State Cellars during Sip and Stroll. Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on while they enjoy artisanal wines, craft sangrias and delicious charcuterie, which will be available for purchase from Free State Cellars.
Performing at the Sip and Stroll is Austin’s own Texas swing band, Pendulum Hearts.
The finale of this year’s Scarecrow Festival is the annual Autumn Fair – Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. It’s a family-friendly event to celebrate the season and the final day to view the scarecrows. This is also the day that the winners of the scarecrow voting are announced. The day includes multiple opportunities for hands-on activities such as a scavenger hunt, tackle the Shangri La Gardens obstacle course, decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, investigate some of the critters that call Shangri La Gardens home, cruise Adams Bayou on a pontoon boat ride and much more. Admission to the Autumn Fair is also free.
For more information, call (409) 670-9113 or view shangrilagardens.org.