Registration Open for Atlanta Botanical Garden's SCARECROWS IN THE GARDEN

Registration is being accepted for Scarecrows in the Garden, and this year, the Atlanta Botanical Garden encourages participants in its annual rite of fall to enter an "imaginary world."

Every October, the garden is stuffed with more than 100 scarecrows created by artists, designers, schools, businesses and families. Participants compete for prizes in one of two design categories: professional and nonprofessional.

This year's event is themed Ogretober! - a salute to one of the 19 topiary-like sculptures making up the Garden's popular current exhibition, Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life . The exhibition includes a giant Earth Goddess, a pair of towering cobras, a unicorn, butterflies, rabbits, a dog - and one friendly Ogre. Scarecrow designers are encouraged (but not required) to create their own ogre or cobra to mimic the ones in the show - or come up with their own imaginary world being, be it based on a childhood story or an urban legend. Deadline for registration is September 13, with scarecrow drop-off September 26-27. For details and registration form, visit atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

On Thursday evenings, visitors can check out the scarecrows under the glare of flashlights (which they are encouraged to bring) during Fest-of-Ale . Each week from 5-10 p.m., the beer fest features a variety of fine specialty ales and live musical entertainment. During the final night of Fest-of-Ale, October 24, some of Atlanta's top chefs will square off for the fourth annual Great Chefs of Atlanta Pumpkin-Carving Contest.

For youngsters, harvest-themed activities will be on tap on weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 27 they can don their favorite costumes for a day of treats and activities during Goblins in the Garden from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It will include storytelling, the Ride-On Train and a cash bar for Mom and Dad Goblins.

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