Scarecrow Walk

Kick off fall with a fun, family-friendly stroll through the USU Botanical Center! Each year, we partner with local businesses, organizations, and individuals to bring you a delightful display of scarecrows hidden along our scenic paths. Come and witness the vibrant autumn colors in the Varga Arboretum and celebrate the harvest season in our demonstration gardens.

This event is FREE to the public, but we ask that you only visit during our open hours of dawn to dusk. The event runs for 9 days. A prize will be awarded for the most popular scarecrow, so make sure to look for the numbers and QR codes to vote for your favorite!

This year, we will kick off our event on a Saturday with a Scarecrow 5K at 9 AM and official festivities beginning at 10 AM! All are welcome and encouraged to join us in celebrating our scarecrow display with food trucks, live music, a kids' area, and more.

Sponsors

• Discover Davis

• USU Credit Union / Goldenwest Credit Union

• J & J Nursery and Garden Center

• Utah Farm Bureau

• Nimbus Athletics

Scarecrow 5K Run Information

Map of Route Register Here

Get ready to run, walk, or stroll through the stunning landscapes of the USU Botanical Center in Kaysville at our Scarecrow Run, in collaboration with the Farmington Rotary Club! This off-road 5K takes you through multiple gardens, around the serene pond, and across a variety of terrains that will keep your adventure exciting from start to finish.

In the spirit of the season, we invite all participants to dress up as scarecrows! Whether you go all out with a full costume or add a festive accessory, we can't wait to see your creativity shine.

Event Highlights:

• Awards for Race Winners: Celebrate your running achievements with awards for the top finishers!
• Costume Contest: Show off your scarecrow style for a chance to win the best costume award!

Event Details:

• Date: September 20th
• Time: 9 AM Start time.
• Location: USU Botanical Center, Kaysville
• Course: A scenic 5K route that meanders through beautiful gardens and circles around the pond. This off-road course is perfect for runners, walkers, and families—just remember to bring an off-road stroller if you're coming with little ones!

After the race, stick around for the Scarecrow Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Enjoy a festive day filled with food trucks, live music, a dedicated kids' area, and, of course, our wonderful scarecrow displays. It's the perfect way to continue the fun and celebrate the season with family and friends.

Don’t miss out on this family-friendly event! Register early to secure your spot in this unique race experience! 

Register Here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=362265

We can’t wait to see you there for a day full of fun, fitness, and festivities!

Sponsorship Information

Sponsorship levels are as stated below. If you are a media or in-kind sponsor, please choose the level that most closely reflects the value of your donation. All sponsorship agreements must be submitted by August 05, 2025, to be included in all benefits. 

GOLD
$500+ (includes free scene of 3 scarecrow entry and business logo included on social media posting & banners)
SILVER
$250 (includes a free scene of 3 scarecrow entry and logo on social media and website)
BRONZE
$100 (includes a free scene of 3 scarecrow entry and logo on social media)

In-Kind donations are also accepted. Deadline for sponsor commitments: August 5, 2025, to be included in all sponsor benefits. Please email scarecrowwalk@aggies.usu.edu if you're interested in sponsoring the event!

Build a Scarecrow

We are always looking for scarecrow builders! In the past we've had individuals, organizations, families, non-profits, school groups, and local businesses participate. Branding your scarecrow is a fantastic way to gain community exposure! Wooden scarecrow forms/stakes are provided. Payment must be made in-person or over the phone. The deadline for 2025 builder applications is September 8th. You can pick up scarecrow base/forms starting Aug. 4th. Email alex.zesiger@usu.edu if you have questions about being a builder. Make sure to read our tips for building a successful scarecrow and our fine print regulations. 

Register as a Builder

Donate

We love hosting fun community events and want to keep them FREE when possible. Please DONATE if you can. All contributions will help us expand this event in the future. 

Send an email to scarecrowwalk@aggies.usu.edu if you have any questions!