Thanksgiving Point opens registration for October Scarecrow Festival

Lehi families can build a scarecrow, carve a pumpkin or lace up for a 5K through fall foliage when Thanksgiving Point's Scarecrow Festival returns to Ashton Gardens Oct. 12–17.

Registration is open now for community entries and the Scarecrow 5K, according to a blog post by Cloe Bentz on Thanksgiving Point's website published Tuesday, Aug. 11. The annual festival transforms 50 acres of Ashton Gardens into an autumn showcase of community-submitted scarecrows, carved pumpkins, seasonal displays and family activities.

Admission is free for Thanksgiving Point members. All other guests pay regular Ashton Gardens admission.

How to enter a scarecrow or pumpkin

Residents can register a homemade scarecrow or carved pumpkin for display throughout the week. Scarecrows must be at least 36 inches tall, weigh under 100 pounds and hold up to a week outdoors. Pumpkins should arrive ready for display; battery-operated LED lights are welcome.

Every registered entry earns four complimentary festival tickets and a spot in the Grand Prize Drawing. Entries compete for Judge's Choice and People's Choice awards. The top scarecrow wins a Thanksgiving Point Family or Grandparent Membership, and other winners receive trophies, gift cards and ribbons.

Registration closes Monday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. No day-of submissions will be accepted. All entries must be dropped off at Ashton Gardens on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scarecrow 5K

The 3.1-mile course winds through Ashton Gardens and the Discovery Garden on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 8 a.m. Strollers and running aides are welcome.

Early-bird registration is $35 through Tuesday, Sept. 15. The price rises to $40 from Sept. 16 through Oct. 14. Every participant receives a race shirt and finisher medal. Late registrants may face limited T-shirt sizes.

Packet pickup runs Friday, Oct. 16, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ashton Gardens Visitor Center Roundabout. Packets will not be available race morning.

Festival Market

A Festival Market featuring local vendors, seasonal food and family activities runs Thursday, Oct. 15, through Saturday, Oct. 17. Vendor applications opened Monday, Aug. 10.

Visitors can cast People's Choice votes while wandering the gardens during the festival week. Full details and registration are available at thanksgivingpoint.org.

Upcoming dates