With our 20th annual Make a Scarecrow event coming up this weekend, we thought we'd give you a few fascinating scarecrow highlights to kick fall off with a bang.
- For 20 years, McDonald Garden Center has donated 100% of proceeds from the Make a Scarecrow event to the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD) -- Virginia’s only free-standing, full-service pediatric hospital. Thanks to the generosity and support of our community, we've donated more than $200,000 -- that's over 10,000 scarecrows made!
- CHKD is a not-for-profit hospital, so donations such as these are crucial to the welfare of the hospital.
- CHKD Thrift Stores donate enough clothing, hats, ties, belts and other accessories to “dress” more than 1000 scarecrows... that's a lot of clothes!
- Scarecrows date back more than 3,000 years. From the Egyptians to the Greeks to farmers today, scarecrows are a solution to a common problem for farmers and gardeners - hungry birds!
- We all rely on a plentiful harvest to last us through winter, and scarecrows, human or straw, help us have one. Scarecrows are common throughout the world. In Britain, they are called mommets, tattie bogies and hodmedods. In other places around the world, they are known as jack-of-straws, scarebirds, and shoy-hoys.
- The scarecrow was commonly used in 19th century English literature. Who could forget the Scarecrow of Oz from L. Frank Baum’s tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz? This just might be one of the most famous scarecrows of all time.
- Want to make your own scarecrow? There’s no limit on how creative yours can be. Use straw to stuff pockets and sleeves and to fill in any holes. Glue fabric strips to create patches. Add your own accessories, such as hats, gloves, scarves and even shoes.
- Making a scarecrow together is a great family project. By working together as a family you can create a fall tradition that is proudly displayed in your fall décor. It is also a perfect team building activity for groups like the girl scouts, boy scouts, businesses or even sports teams.
- It’s a fact... make a scarecrow and you'll make a difference!
This local fall tradition is bails of fun for the whole family. Join us this weekend to MAKE A SCARECROW >>