Art鈥檚 Nursery in Port Kells, Surrey boasts a line-up of scarecrows that might actually attract the curious critters rather than frighten them away.
King Kong, Captain Jack Sparrow, Wonder Women, Batman, and Cinderella are just a few of the recognizable figures that have been crafted out of hay and burlap over the past five years at the Scarecrow Festival.
Starting this Sept. 21, the nursery is once again inviting people to come see over 70 uniquely themed scarecrows and have a chance to build their very own.
Art鈥檚 Nursery owner, Rebecca van der Zalm, said the event began as a way to get people into the horticultural-based business after planting season, but the festival has since grown into so much more.
鈥淚t has evolved over the five years. It鈥檚 interesting to see the different demographic. We have typical scarecrows, but we like to get creative and make ones kids would recognize from movies 鈥� now you hear people say 鈥榳ow, look a pikachu鈥� or 鈥業 know that one鈥�,鈥� van der Zalm said. 鈥淚t just makes it fun.鈥�
Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., kids, families, and friends can get into the autumn spirit by heading over to Art鈥檚 Nursery, 8940 192 St to participate in their fall kick off day.
For a recommended donation of $12, the frame straw and face making materials are supplied 鈥� guests are asked to just bring clothes and as much creativity as they wish.
鈥淲e supply wooden frames 鈥� smaller and medium size,鈥� van der Zalm explained. 鈥淯sed clothing is donated to us by one of our charities, put people tend to bring their own clothing because they like to make 鈥渕ini-me鈥檚鈥� or dress the scarecrows up like their partner.鈥�
All of the funds collected will go to local charities, including the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL), Inclusion 91原创 Society, which helps people of all ages with developmental needs, and The Versatiles, a band of volunteers who travel and perform at senior鈥檚 facilities and palliative care units.
Additional to scarecrow displays and building stations, the kick off day on Sept. 21 will include hayrides, face-painting, music from Dixieland band Red Beans and Rice, food trucks, and a huge variety of pumpkins.
The 鈥渂uild-a-crow鈥� station will remain open by donation from the first day of fall, all through the month of October to Halloween. van der zalm noted it gets very busy on kick off day and some people prefer to build in quieter conditions.
鈥淲e have a little game people can play, a scavenger hunt,鈥� van der Zalm added. 鈥淭hey can walk through and answer questions like 鈥榳hat company does this scarecrow represent鈥� or 鈥榳hich scarecrow is holding blank in it鈥檚 hand鈥�.鈥�
For the first time ever, van der Zalm said she challenged local high schools to compete in the contest 鈥� five took part and constructed over 35 scarecrows, which will be on display throughout the fall.
Art鈥檚 Nursery welcomes field trips and team building tours during their autumn season as well.
For more information, people can visit .
Read More: Scarecrow fest fosters family fun and fundraisers
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