In honor of the changing seasons, McCrory Gardens in Brookings is preparing to host its fifth annual free-admission fall festival. Set to take place on October 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival offers a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to witness the summer greens mingling with hues of radiant red, orange, and golden-brown.
According to Lori Puetz, McCrory Gardens’ venue sales and services coordinator, the event is meant to be a calming experience. She encourages attendees to revel in the splendid fall colors, the rich plant life, and the overall beauty woven into nature’s design. Puetz suggests that the festival serves as an open-seated invitation to immerse oneself in the natural wonders of McCrory Gardens while also engaging in various activities offered throughout the day.
Coming back with the festival is the beloved annual autumnal observation exhibit which comprises horse-drawn hayrides, food stalls selling tempting goodies, an intriguing scavenger hunt, and a couple of creative art workshops. Puetz mentioned that initially, each activity was planned and conducted separately. However, over time, these engaging aspects morphed into a single, unified event, aptly called the Fall Festival.
The most popular draw of the festival remains the horse-drawn hayrides. They are a unique adventure for adults and children alike, traversing through the scenic arboretum, led by a team of draft horses named Jamie and Barney. The rides are available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., offering a rare chance to enjoy the sight of these serene, majestic creatures up close.
The festival also plays host to two art classes – a fall floral arranging workshop and a cyanotype printing class. The floral arranging class involves attendees gathering their plant materials and arranging them in a bouquet they can take home. The cyanotype printing workshop, on the other hand, employs botanical components from the garden for creating distinctive prints.
Roaming around the grounds of McCrory Gardens, attendees will also find a fun scarecrow scavenger hunt. These scarecrows, a blend of big and small, are carefully crafted using natural elements to blend well with the surroundings. Adding to the festive spirit, the gardens will also be adorned with various elements such as pumpkins, squash, gourds, and more, scattered here and there, providing a classic fall backdrop.
Food trucks selling delicious snacks and beverages will also be scattered around the venue. Every visitor is welcomed at the front door and is asked to check in for the event. Though there is no admission charge, keeping a record of the visitor count is a norm, giving them an idea of the event’s reach.
On a special note, this year’s festival allows event-goers to bring their dog companions for a minuscule donation of one dollar. Puetz noted, this has been quite popular among pet-owners, who are always excited to share this beautiful experience with their furry friends!
Autumn, with its inviting cool weather, makes an ideal time for people and pets to explore the gardens. Lori Puetz expressed her happiness in seeing people appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into maintaining this oasis. She affirmed that seeing individuals immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of the gardens is highly rewarding and is what makes the Fall Festival at McCrory Gardens a cherished local event year after year.
