The event is part of the annual Lakes Park “Fall Festival and Halloween Extravaganza,”
The donation/entry fee is $250 and all proceeds benefit the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation, which is currently raising funds to build a Botanic Garden and provide other park improvements.
“The Scarecrows in the Park contest is a great opportunity for local businesses and organizations to promote themselves and build awareness in a fun and creative way. For example, Dermatology Solutions’ scarecrow demonstrated proper use of sunscreen under a shaded umbrella, a fun way to remind festival attendees of the importance of sun safety,” says Marsha Asp, chairperson for the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation. “Schools, youth groups and family submissions are also accepted and can be a fun way for each to celebrate the fall season while supporting Lakes Park.”
For those willing to make a donation but do not desire to create a scarecrow, Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation will match sponsors with youth organizations willing to create a scarecrow.
In addition to “Scarecrows in the Park”, the festival includes a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, hayrides, the Halloween Express train and other activities.
The Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation established in 2004 by a group of Lee County business leaders and dedicated citizens who recognize Lakes Park as an extremely important green area in Lee County. The foundation’s main focus is to assist Lee County Parks and Recreation in the continued implementation of the $30 million Lakes Park Master Plan, enhancing the park's environmental aesthetics, wildlife habitat and recreational amenities for the community to enjoy for many years to come. Currently, the Lakes Park Enrichment Foundation is focusing its fundraising on creating a botanical garden at Lakes Park and adding wildlife viewers to improve visibility of birds in the rookery. For more information on the foundation, visit www.LakesParkEnrichmentFoundation.org.
