It’s finally fall.
Oh sure, the first official day of fall was September 23. That day, the temperature at 6 a.m. was 90 degrees!
No, fall officially begins when we have one of those perfect days like we did last weekend for Oktoberfest.
Of course, there are other signs of the downfall in Southeast Texas.
Turn the page for signs that fall is here.
Scarecrow festival
Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center hosts Texas’ largest scarecrow festival with dozens of handcrafted scarecrows on display in the gardens. The scarecrows are all constructed from recycled and reused materials.
This year, 58 organizations and businesses in Southeast Texas are presenting exhibits at the festival. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorites. The winning scarecrow will be announced on November 2 at the Fall Fair, which wraps up the month-long Scarecrow Festival.
This year’s designs range from scary to wacky and include inspiring greetings to Tropical Storm Imelda’s first responders.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to November 2
Or: 2111 W. Park Ave., Orange
Cost: To free
Information: 409-670-9113, shangrilagardens.org
Get out of your gourd
There is no safer sign that fall has arrived in Southeast Texas than the orange glow of pumpkins. The most important are charities, so go out and pick a pumpkin and make some great memories as a family.
All are open daily until October 31.
Wesley United Methodist Church
3810 North, Major Drive
Faith United Methodist Church
18895 FM 365, Fannett
Dutch Apostolic Church
1308 S. 27th St., The Netherlands.
Fall picnic
The folks at the McFaddin-Ward house are rolling out the green carpet – OK, that’s their big lawn – for his fall picnic.
Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic supplies, coolers, blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of family fun.
There will be children’s games, sidewalk art and face painting. The Curse & the Cure will offer musical entertainment and the evening will be crowned with a screening of “Aladdin”.
When: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Or: 1906 McFaddin Avenue
Cost: To free
Information: 409-832-1906, mcfaddin-ward.org
Haunted Hotel and Asylum in Rosehill
Southeast Texas’ oldest haunted house – people here have scared people for 30 years – welcomes scary-seeking guests to a safe environment.
Even if you don’t get scared easily, the spooky makeup and elaborate outfits will keep you entertained.
And if lines aren’t your thing, grab a Fast Pass ticket online.
When: 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 27 and October 30-31
Or: 447 Orléans Street
Cost: $ 24
Information: 409-729-3300, hantedhoteltx.com
Pumpkin Walk and Haunted Halloween Tour
The Beaumont Heritage Society hosts this family favorite on the grounds of the historic John Jay French Museum.
The festivities include a pumpkin carving contest, a haunted hay walk, and children’s crafts. Visit the 1845 house, where costumed actors will play members of the French family.
Note: Entries for the sculpture competition must be submitted by noon on Saturday. Find the details online.
When: 6 pm-9pm Saturday
Or: 3025 French Route
Cost: $ 5
Information: 409-898-0348, beaumontheritage.org
