Needless to say, I was excited about showing Flat Stanley off at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Since it's October now, the Garden was showcasing the 80 scarecrows on their annual Scarecrow Trail. This is always a fun time for me. I have been to the Garden to photograph all the Scarecrow Trails: 2001 Scarecrows , 2002 Scarecrows , and 2003 Scarecrows. In previous years there was giant ants and spiders, astronauts, Sponge Bob, NASCAR heroes, giant bats and plenty of aliens, and my favorite, Harry Potter. Yes, the Huntsville Botanical Garden's Scarecrow Trail just keeps getting better and better and I wanted to show Flat Stanley just how much fun we have in the South and give him some ideas for some really cool scarecrows to make back in Iowa.
Flat Stanley and I were ready for some good old-fashioned fall fun at the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s fourth annual Scarecrow Trail. This year there are 80 fabulous, weird, funny, and traditional scarecrows lurking along the Garden’s trails. I noticed lots of Red Hat Ladies, several working Moms, and even a Flat Stanley Scarecrow ! I didn't get a photo of each one--but I almost did! In fact, Flat Stanley wanted to pose with some of the Scarecrows...so look carefully for him as you browse through the various Scarecrows.
New for 2004 is the addition of The Enchanted Forest where you’ll definitely get the feeling you’re being watched as the giant trees on the Nature Trail grow almost human faces. I just loved The Enchanted Forest designed by Linda Morton and Garden staff. Even if you think you don't like Scarecrows (but who doesn't like Scarecrows?!), I urge you to go see The Enchanted Forest.
The scarecrows come to the Garden from all over the community; schools, non-profit groups, individuals, families, social groups and clubs all spend hours making elaborate, original and very funny scarecrows. The Scarecrow Trail has become a much beloved annual event for North Alabama. This year, because of Hurricane Ivan, the 80 scarecrows were taken down before the storm, wrapped and stored, and then painstakingly put back up after all threat of damage had passed.
Other Scarecrow Trail activities include the creepy 1-acre Sorghum Maze for kids of all ages, and hayrides around the Garden on the weekends. Traditional music groups will entertain on weekends.
Events during October include an Outdoor Portrait Photography workshop* on October 2, Herb Fair also on October 2, and a Fall Gardening Symposium* with Allan Armitage on October 16. (*reservations required).
Additional information on Scarecrow Trail and The Enchanted Forest is available at The Huntsville Botanical Garden or by calling 256-830-4447. Bring the family, loved ones, and a picnic and enjoy one of the Tennessee Valley’s Treasures.
Now come along with me and Flat Stanley as we "move on down" The Huntsville Botanical Garden's 2004 Scarecrow Trail.
2004 Scarecrow Trail Photos
Flat Stanley Visits Huntsville
Flat Stanley at 2004 Oktoberfest in Huntsville
Flat Stanley Explores the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Previous Articles
Huntsville Events Calendar
Free Huntsville Newsletter
