Summer is meandering toward the exit – or so it would have us believe – and fall is in the air. The community can celebrate by participating in the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s free and family-friendly second annual Pumpkin Palooza Scarecrow Trail at Russellville’s City Lake Park, as well as by enjoying a trunk-or-treat event hosted by Northwest-Shoals Community College.

PUMPKIN PALOOZA SCARECROW TRAIL

Those who wish to can set up a scarecrow or photo booth – paid registration required – and members of the public will get to enjoy the sights, starting with opening day activities.

Opening day is Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pumpkins and snacks will be available for purchase, and booth sponsors will have the option of treating trail guests, as long as they are able to be present at their booths for this purpose.

“In our search for ways to enhance community involvement during the autumn months, a Scarecrow Trail was one of the common events in other cities across the country,” explained Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Director Cassie Medley. “We thought this would be a unique and fun way to promote businesses, individuals and industries throughout Franklin County.”

While the event is relatively new and evolving, it has already seen community enthusiasm. Medley said this past year’s event included around 10 scarecrows.

“We loved being part of the Scarecrow Trail last year,” said Magen McLemore, marketing specialist for Community Spirit Bank. “Our team had a great time being creative and working on a fun design for our piggy bank-themed scarecrow. We are looking forward to participating in the trail again this year.”

Those business and individuals who pay and register for a spot, can enter a scarecrow or decorate a space for a photo booth. The cost to be a scarecrow sponsor is $125 and includes one metal post and signage in a 6-foot-square space. The cost to be a photo both sponsor is $225 and includes signage at the photo booth in a 10-foot-square space. Scarecrow/photo booth assembly begins at City Lake Park on Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. and goes through Oct. 14 at noon.

“It’s a good way to offer community involvement,” said Medley. “We received wonderful feedback from the community last year to incorporate for future events.”

Pumpkin Palooza Scarecrow Trail will be open to the public from Oct. 15, until Nov. 5. Cleanup/removal will take place Nov. 6-8.

For full details or questions, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce office at 256-332-1760 or director@franklincountychamber.org.

NW-SCC TRUNK OR TREAT

This year’s Pumpkin Palooza will not include a trunk-or-treat component; however, Northwest-Shoals Community College has planned free community trunk-or-treat events on both campuses.

Oct. 24 NW-SCC will host a drive-through trunk or treat on the Phil Campbell campus from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature decorated trunks and games from the college’s faculty, staff and student organizations. Members of the community will be able to drive through the front of the campus to participate.

Oct. 27 NW-SCC will host a trunk or treat on the Shoals campus from 5-7 p.m. Members of the community will be able to park in front of building 120 and walk through the outside event that will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the library.

NW-SCC President Dr. Jeff Goodwin said the college looks forward to welcoming the community on each of its campuses in October.

“I am so excited we are able to offer these fun trunk-or-treat events to our community,” said Goodwin. “Last year we had almost 1,000 adults and children visit our two campuses. I look forward to welcoming everyone on campus, handing out candy and seeing all the excited children in their costumes.”