Historic Columbia Foundation is seeking handcrafted historical, ghoulish or traditional scarecrows for their annual Scarecrows in the Garden Contest, sponsored by Palmetto Parent magazine. The deadline to enter the contest is September 24, 2012. All scarecrows will be displayed on the grounds of the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion from September 30 – October 31, 2012 during Historic Columbia’s annual Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit. Community leaders and local celebrities will select the best scarecrows and the public is encouraged to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” and “Best Class Crow.” Prizes include cash, trophies and tour passes.
The cost to enter is $10 for families and individuals; $10 for classrooms (“class crow”), and $20 for businesses and organizations. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation. To enter, visit www.HCFScarecrows.eventbrite.com. More information may also be found by calling (803) 252-1770 ext. 24 or emailing reservations@historiccolumbia.org.
High resolution photos from past year’s are posted on the Foundation’s Flickr account for immediate download. Direct link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historiccolumbiafoundation/sets/72157629549695399/ (click on desired photo thumbnail, right-click to select “large” photo size, then click “download large size of this photo”). Members of the media are encouraged to contact Ashley Tucker at 803.252.7742 ext 16 or atucker@historiccolumbia.org for more information.
Other Scarecrow Events Include:
Sculpting Scarecrows Workshop: Saturday, September 22, Noon – 2 pm
Meets at the Hampton-Preston Mansion, 1615 Blanding Street
$20 for families and $25 for organizations (includes contest entry fees)
Those interested in entering the Scarecrows in the Garden Contest are encouraged to attend the Sculpting Scarecrows Weekend Workshop on September 22 from Noon – 2 pm. Participants in the workshop will create and decorate a spooky, dazzling, or life-like scarecrow during the workshop. The workshop is not required for participation in the contest, but is available for those interested. Participants should come to the workshop with a clear idea of what they’d like to create, bringing items from home to personalize their scarecrow. Materials provided in the workshop: hay, PVC piping, string, and other items. Scarecrows can be taken home, or for an additional $5, entered into the contest. Reservations required (online at www.HCFScarecrows.eventbrite.com, by phone 803.252.1770 ext. 24 or by email reservations@historiccolumbia.org). Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation.
Scarecrows in the Garden Opening Reception and Awards: September 30, 2 – 5 pm
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding Street
Members: Adults/$5, Children/Free
Non-Members: Adults $7, Children 6-12 $4, Children 5 & under Free
Extra Exhibitor Passes: Adults $5, Children 6-12 $3, Children 5 & under Free
The winners of this year’s Scarecrows in the Garden contest will be announced during the opening reception and awards on September 30. Judging will take place from 2 – 3:30 pm; awards for the business/organization and family/individual categories will be announced at 4 pm. Activities include a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, $1 highlight tours of HCF’s House in Mourning exhibit that feature fashion, practices and traditions that were customary during the Victorian Era. HCF will also be offering participants the opportunity to see Dreadful Sorry at 5 pm. This short film was taped in the Robert Mills House. While you are here don’t forget to vote on your favorite scarecrow and “Class-crow” and let us know if you can find Sneaky Steve. Admission includes children’s crafts, light appetizers, beverages and family fun. This is a rain or shine event. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation
Annual Scarecrows in the Garden Exhibit: September 30 – October 31
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding Street
FREE and Open to the Public
Take a stroll through the recently installed gardens at the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion (1615 Blanding Street) and view dozens of uniquely-crafted scarecrows from area businesses, schools, families, and organizations during this FREE public exhibit during the month of October. The exhibit showcases ghoulish, historical, and colorful scarecrow entries from this year’s Scarecrows in the Garden Contest. Activities also include a scavenger hunt and locating the “Sneaky Steve” scarecrow.
A House in Mourning: September 30 – October 31
Part of the regularly scheduled Hampton-Preston Tour
$6/adults, $3/youth, Free for members
Mourning the loss of a loved one was much more public for Americans during the 19th century than it is today. The sadness a family felt was outwardly shown by more than just the wearing of black clothing, however. There were certain customs observed such as covering mirrors that seem quaint to us today but were important for Victorian Americans in order to properly honor the deceased. During the month of October, the Hampton-Preston Mansion will feature many of these mourning traditions. Guided tours will discuss the role and importance of stages of mourning during the 1860s as a part of our regular daily tours. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation.
Historic Hauntings Cemetery Tours: October 11, 6 – 8:30 pm (last tour starts at 8:30 pm)
Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue
$10 non-members/$5 for children of non-members (17 and under);
$5 members/$3 for children of members (17 and under)
Join Historic Columbia Foundation and Elmwood Cemetery staff for guided tours presenting some of Columbia’s eerie and peculiar past by the light of the full moon. Admission includes tour of Elmwood Cemetery, light snacks and a take-home craft for children. Reservations requested. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation. Purchase tickets online here: www.cemeterytours.eventbrite.com.
Family Day: October 27, Noon – 2 pm
Children are invited participate in a variety of autumn activities that highlight the importance of the fall harvest and history of Halloween. Scarecrows in the Garden People’s Choice Award winner will be announced. $6 for first child/$3 for each additional child/free for members. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation.
Pumpkin Patch Early Adventures: October 2012 (month-long)
Available to private groups of 10 or more children (ages 3-8 years old).
Historic Columbia Foundation’s Early Adventures program is designed especially for daycares, birthday parties, schools, churches, clubs, and learning centers. During the month of October, Early Adventures groups will dress up like scarecrows and play games in the gardens. Activities also include searching for a scarecrow on the loose. All programs include story time, games, crafts and snacks and 2 activity leaders. Games and crafts will be determined according to participant’s age group. Each program last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of participants. Reservations required. $6 per child. Proceeds benefit Historic Columbia Foundation. For more information, please contact Sarah Blackwell at sblackwell@historiccolumbia.org or 803.252.1770 ext. 33.
Historic Columbia Foundation was founded in 1961 by a group of preservationists determined to save the Ainsley Hall House, known today as the Robert Mills House. More than four decades later, Historic Columbia Foundation manages four historic house museums and their associated artifacts, and tells the stories of people, places and progress in Columbia and Richland County. For more information, please visit http://www.historiccolumbia.org.
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