The Woodstock Land Conservancy will be showcasing artistic scarecrows while sprinkling in environmental activities at its signature fall festival, which will be held Sept. 20. The Conservancy is pleased to host its 4th annual Scarecrow Fest on the Comeau’s Shakespeare Lawn in the heart of Woodstock from 1-4 p.m.

“We’re always excited to celebrate fall, a bountiful season where nature literally shows off its incredible color palette,” Miranda Javid, WLC’s program manager, said. This year, however, the celebration will also include eco-themed workshops, multiple arts and crafts stations with activities that highlight environmental protection, and exhibitors who will help attendees get engaged in their local communities.

“It wouldn’t be Scarecrow Fest without pumpkin painting, life-size scarecrows, music and lawn games,” WLC Executive Director Andy Mossey noted. “But we also want to engage kids and adults with ways to help us protect and care for the land, waterways, wildlife, plants and biodiversity that make Woodstock and the surrounding areas special.”

Attendees will have opportunities to make seed balls from native plant seeds, weave branches for wreaths, learn more about bedrock geology, identify trees, create parts of a collaborative story, enjoy story time with representatives from the library and, of course, paint pumpkins to take home. The scarecrow photobooth will be available for those who want to be a scarecrow, and blues legend Elly Wininger will be leading a sing-a-long. From the Ground Up is bringing its mobile kitchen, and there will be a water station for free refills.

Please bring a reusable water container along with either a blanket or lawn chairs to relax on the lawn. The first 50 people who arrive with a white piece of clothing can transform it into a work of wearable art with local artist Courtney Dudley, who will be leading the indigo dyeing station.

Parking and admission to the festival are free, but the Conservancy is requesting a $10 per adult donation to help defray the costs. The Shakespeare Lawn is located right beside Woodstock’s Town Offices on Comeau Drive.