Annual Scarecrow Festival at Thanksgiving Point will be October 10-15

LEHI, Utah (August 8, 2022) – The Scarecrow Festival is back at Thanksgiving Point from October 10 to 15, and scarecrow submissions are now open to the public! This fall tradition combines the beautiful autumnal glow of the Ashton Gardens with a community art project – the creation of scarecrows – during the six-day festival.

 

The Scarecrow Festival has been an annual fall celebration in the Ashton Gardens for eight years. Dozens of scarecrows submitted by the public produce a gorgeous blend of color, creativity, and fun for all ages. Scarecrows can be submitted by anyone: families, community groups, businesses, schools, and individuals. Submissions are free and participants will receive four complimentary Scarecrow Festival Admission Passes.

 

Submitted scarecrows will be judged by a team at Thanksgiving Point on five qualifications: effort, materials used, design/appearance, creativity/originality, and concept. Guests will also be able to vote for their favorite scarecrow as they visit the Gardens. At the end of the festival, awards will be presented for Judge’s Choice (prizes given to first, second, and third place winners) and People’s Choice (prizes given to first, second, and third place winners). Additionally, a Grand Prize will be drawn at random.

The Scarecrow Festival also features other fun activities:

 

  • Scarecrow 5k: Enjoy a perfect fall race with the whole family while enjoying creative scarecrows made by members of the community on Saturday, October 15 at 8 am.
  • Fall Family Fun: Leaf pits to jump in, photo opps, yard games, and bounce houses will be available from October 13 – 15.
  • Scarecrow Festival Market: Local food and retail exhibitors will be in the Waterfall Amphitheatre from October 13 – 15.

 

Artists must apply for submission by October 6 at 6 pm. The scarecrow does not need to be finished to submit an entry – a brief synopsis, the name of the scarecrow, and other basic information are required upon submission. Scarecrows must be dropped off at the Ashton Gardens Visitor Center on October 8 from 10 am to 6 pm.

 

Guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets online and in advance. The Scarecrow Festival is included with Ashton Gardens admission: $24 for adults, $21 for seniors (age 65+), $19 for youth (ages 13-24), and $17 for children (ages 3-12). Children ages 2 and under are free. Thanksgiving Point members also receive free admission.

 

The Scarecrow Festival will be open from October 10 to October 15 from 9 am to 6 pm in the Ashton Gardens. The Ashton Gardens are located at 3900 N. Garden Drive in Lehi, Utah. For more information on the Festival and instruction on submitting a scarecrow proposal, please visit thanksgivingpoint.org/scarecrow-festival.

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About Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point is a community-owned nonprofit with the mission to bring the joy of learning and wonders of the natural world to life through world-class experiences that engage, delight, and inspire. Created in 1995 by Alan and Karen Ashton, Thanksgiving Point is a center of community engagement and welcomes more than two million annual visitors to dine, play, and explore together. Thanksgiving Point is located at 3003 North Thanksgiving Way in Lehi, Utah. For more information, call 801.768.2300 or visit thanksgivingpoint.org.

 

Media Contact

Abby Allard, Communications Manager

aallard@thanksgivingpoint.org

801.768.7482