USU Botanical Center Celebrates Fall with Annual Scarecrow Walk

The Utah State University Botanical Center in Kaysville hosts its annual Scarecrow Walk from September 28 through October 6, welcoming the community to enjoy the festive atmosphere from dawn until dusk.

The Scarecrow Walk will kick off September 28, with the Scarecrow 5K Run beginning at 9 a.m. Runners are encouraged to dress up like scarecrows, with prizes for the best costume as well as the race winners.

Festivities continue after the race from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature various activities, including food trucks, live music, a pet costume contest, a kids’ area, face painting, pumpkin painting, and more.

The event is free and open to the public. The race fee is $15 if registered by September 24.

According to Alex Zesiger, the center’s outreach manager, the event was created to unite the community and celebrate the harvest season.

“We love seeing everyone’s creativity and having the opportunity to gather in our green space,” Zesiger said. “As the world around us gets busier and more green space disappears, we are proud that we are able to be that space for our community. A place to gather, to learn, and to be outside.”

Individuals, organizations, families, non-profits, school groups, and local businesses are encouraged to participate by building and displaying scarecrows along the walk. Visitors will get to vote on all the scarecrow displays, with the most popular display winning a prize.

The Scarecrow Walk is sponsored by Davis County, Ken Garff, American Legion, Discover Davis, J&J Nursery and Garden Center, Ability Innovations, and Utah Foster Care.

The USU Botanical Center offers educational opportunities for children and adults. It features an urban fishery, walking and biking trails, wetland areas that support birds and other wildlife, multiple volunteer-tended gardens, an arboretum, and a full schedule of classes, workshops, educational field trips, and other events.

While the event is free, donations are welcome and will directly support the gardens.

Visit the Scarecrow Walk web page for more information about the event.