FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scarecrows on Parade and More at the Arboretum   

            Chanhassen, Minn. (Oct. 16, 2009) – The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is hosting some very special guests these days.   There’s Doc Tom, Huck Finnegan, Lady Mardi Gaga and more!  They’re gathering for the Arboretum’s annual Scarecrows on Parade display on the Oswald Visitor Center terraces and Arboretum grounds. 

            A total of 18 scarecrow displays have been created for your viewing pleasure!  While the hardy scarecrows are partying outside on the terraces in the invigorating fall weather, the interior of the Oswald Visitor Center has been transformed into a Pumpkin Palooza – an eye-popping display pumpkins, squash and gourds. At least 55 different varieties are featured, including several rare heirloom varieties from Japan, Italy and elsewhere.

            There are blue ones, white ones, speckled ones.  Some weigh over 100 pounds others fit in the palm of your hand. One is shaped like a Turkish turban and don’t miss the bumpy cucurbit called “Red Warty Thing”!  The pumpkins and scarecrows are part of the Autumn Unplugged fall season at the Arboretum, which is presented by COUNTRY Financial.  Here are other special features and events that make fall so special at the Arboretum:

·         Weekend Family Fun: “Minnesota Healthful Harvest” is the theme of October’s family nature craft activity offered on a drop-in basis at the Andrus Learning Center from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.  Free with admission.

·         Arboretum AppleHouse  - Purchase apples from a changing inventory of more than 50 varieties throughout the season -- from longtime favorites to recent University of Minnesota introductions.  Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Rolling Acres Road & Hwy. 5, Victoria.  Closes in early November (weather and inventory permitting).

·         Pumpkin Palooza Weekend – Oct. 24-25. A pumpkin party with fun for everyone!  The popular “Mini-Pumpkin Heads" crafts for kids returns both Saturday & Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the Andrus Learning Center ($1 per pumpkin); pumpkin-carving demonstrations from 1 to 3  p.m. and a screening of  “Bill’s Big Pumpkins” documentary at 1 and 2:30 p.m. both days.  Plus, visit with Arboretum pumpkin expert John Thull who will share insider pumpkin-growing tips.

·         Thursday Happy Hours in the Garden - Restaurant &  Newton Terrace. Enjoy beer and wine sampler flights plus specially priced appetizers al fresco amid the beauty of fall. Thursdays, Oct. 22 and 29, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

·         Ar-BOO-retum! Saturday, Oct. 31.  Bring your little ghosts and goblins and enjoy special Halloween events and activities at the Ar-BOO-retum!  Children’s storytime in the Andersen Horticultural Library at 10:30 a.m. Apples for trick or treaters in the Gift Store and cookies in the Restaurant. Screenings of “Bill’s Big Pumpkins” documentary at 1 and 2:30 p.m. in McMillan Auditorium. Treat bags, kids games and prizes courtesy of COUNTRY Financial.  Free admission for everyone arriving in costume! 

            Visit the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and savor this special season. Grounds are open every day (except Thanksgiving & Christmas) from 8 a.m. to sunset.  For info, visit: www.arboretum.umn.edu or call 952-443-1400. Admission is $9 adults; free for members and ages 15 and younger.                                                                                                -30-
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located 9 miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen.