Spring Hill Garden Club to host scarecrow in the garden festival
Fall-like weather is just around the corner. It’s time for pumpkins, the turning of the leaves, autumn weather and now, scarecrows.
The Spring Hill Garden Club is hosting its very first “Scarecrows in the Gardens” community event next Saturdayay to celebrate fall and raise funds for Spring Hill’s only landmark waterfall.
On Oct. 12, handmade scarecrows, made by Spring Hill Garden Club members and local residents, will be placed on display for visitors in the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, located at 1489 Parker Ave., just off of Spring Hill Drive, in Spring Hill.
In addition, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the club will have a fall plant sale, refreshments, and a raffle of gift certificates and donated arts and craft items.
Many fun activities for the kids are also planned, such as pumpkin painting, face painting, balloons, a scavenger hunt and photo opportunities with a live scarecrow, who will be none other than the Angela Bennett, club president.
Local musician George Marshall will provide live entertainment.
“George Marshall is a country singer from Apalachicola who has lived in Spring Hill since 2004. He recently released a song, “Four Right Turns,” nationally to Country Music Radio and 350 overseas stations,” club publicist Shirley Jacques said.
The handmade scarecrows will stay on display in the gardens until Nov. 15. Visitors to the gardens will be allowed to vote on their favorite scarecrow. The winning scarecrow will receive a “People’s Choice Award.”
It is free to attend the “Scarecrows in the Gardens” event, but donations will be accepted. Pumpkin painting is $1 each. Raffle tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. All proceeds will benefit the general maintenance of the Spring Hill waterfall.
“The Spring Hill Garden Club resumed responsibility for the waterfall in January 2011 when the Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department had to relinquish their involvement due to budget constraints,” Jacques said.
Needs for the waterfall include the annual inspection of the irrigation system, tree-trimming in the areas around the waterfall, and cleaning and resurfacing of the waterfall pond.
“We are also looking for ‘Supporters of the Waterfall,'” said Jacques.
Individual and businesses can help support and maintain the Spring Hill waterfall by becoming a sponsor. There are five levels of sponsorship available, including: Patron – $250; Sponsor – $100; Donor – $50; Contributor – $25; and Scarecrow Sponsor – $10. The Spring Hill Garden Club is a non-profit organization and contributions are tax-deductible.
Contact the Spring Hill Garden Club at (352) 683-9933 or visit www.nature coastgardens.com.
