Scarecrows at Shangri La

Scarecrows date back to the Egyptians who used them to protect their wheat fields located on the Nile River from quail. Their version consisted of wooden frames with nets. The Romans also used a scarecrow to imitate soldiers. Japanese farmers started making their version of the scarecrow shaped like people, dressed in raincoats and straw hats, to help protect their rice fields. German farmers began to transform the scarecrow into more “human looking” dressed in clothes accessorized with a vintage red handkerchief around its neck.

What has become synonymous with both scarecrows and the fall season, is the annual Scarecrow Festival, which culminates with the Autumn Fair, at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in nearby Orange. Admission is free.

Entering its 13th year, the largest Scarecrow Festival in Texas features more than 80 hand-crafted scarecrow exhibits displayed throughout the gardens. Created by talented folks from community organizations, businesses, schools, churches and families, scarecrow designs range from funny to clever to wacky and weird. For sure, no two scarecrows are ever the same, yet all are created with repurposed and recycled materials. Those that attend can also vote for their favorite scarecrow by scanning a QR code.

“We invite the community to come out and not only celebrate the fall season, but see the many creative displays of scarecrows by businesses, schools, churches and other organizations within the area,” said Marlene Cox, guest services coordinator at Shangri La. “This is a fantastic opportunity to have some free family fun, enjoy the changing weather and delight in all that our community and nature have to offer.”

Beginning Oct. 10, the Scarecrow Festival is open to guests Tuesday-Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entrance at 4:30 p.m.

“This year we are excited to invite the community to a Sip and Stroll event during the Scarecrow Festival on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5-8 p.m.,” added Cox. “We have partnered with Free State Cellars to have spirits and food available for purchase, as well as music to enjoy while taking in all there is to offer at Shangri La.”

The Scarecrow Festival concludes Saturday, Oct. 28, with the Autumn Fair beginning at 10:30 a.m. and lasting throughout the day (Shangri La will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Also free to attend, the day is filled with family fun such as outpost tours on the boat, hay rides, plus hands-on activities such as scavenger hunts in the garden space that allows both parents and their children to interact together while experiencing fall festive activities. There is something for everyone.

Visitors will also see more than 5,000 pumpkins as well as fall colors in the gardens including crotons, marigolds, and, of course, plenty of orange.

“Because it has been so hot and dry, there has been challenges of these falltype plants,” said Katie Krantz, associate director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. “Our horticulture team has gone above and beyond to make this a seasonally special space.”

Located at 2111 West Park Ave. in Orange Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a 250-plus acre outdoor oasis located along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way. Visitors are encouraged to stroll along garden paths surrounded by fragrant flowers, bird watch and take in the beauty of the grounds. The unique ecosystem of Shangri La presents an ideal opportunity to further that mission as well as carry on the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, the man who originally developed it more than 60 years ago.

“These scarecrows are artwork,” said Krantz. “The creativity keeps getting better and better. It’s also special because the groups, businesses and organizations spend time and effort to make it really fun for people to see. It also ties us into our community for those who are very supportive. This is my favorite event that really draws the community together.”

For more information, call (409) 670- 9113 or view shangrilagardens.org.