It's almost time for a newly-constructed crew of scarecrows to make themselves at home on the Branford town green. Beginning Friday, Oct. 14 through Tues. November 1, Branford Garden Club (BGC) will host the 12th annual "Scarecrows on the Green" display. Right now, BGC is accepting registrations from local businesses, clubs, teams, schools, organizations, non-profits, families or individuals who want to display a scarecrow this year.

On Saturday, October 22 BGC's annual Fall Pie Festival joins the fun, offering homemade pies for sale on the Branford green from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.

All proceeds from these community events benefit BGC’s civic beautification projects.

Show Your Scarecrow

Each fall, BGC's Scarecrows on the Green brings scads of scarecrow displays to take over the Branford green. The scarecrows may be silent, but their signs and unique designs make them a great "spokescrow" for their builders. Dozens of imaginative entries are displayed by builders from commercial businesses, local nonprofits, schools, learning centers, neighborhoods, faith-based organizations and more. There’s no size limit for scarecrows. Set up day is Friday, Oct. 14.

During the display period, residents and families looking for a great day on the green flock to the town center to inspect the creations and find the perfect fall photo opp.

To register to display a scarecrow, download, complete and mail in the Scarecrows on the Green registration form at the BGC website. Registrants can add a donation of any amount to benefit civic beautification projects of BGC. Donations to BGC are always welcome; send checks made out to Branford Garden Club c/o 18 Pine Orchard Rd., Branford CT 06405. For more information on registration or questions, contact elizabeth.mishler12@gmail.com

Add Some Pie on Oct. 22

The annual Scarecrows show makes the town green a favorite place for the community to enjoy for many days, but one particular day each year is especially sweet -- BGC's annual Fall Pie Festival. This year’s pie sale is Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. on the green. BGC members will be selling delicious, homemade pies baked by club members (drive through pick-up available). All proceeds benefit BGC town beautification programs. The pie festival is chaired by Jo Gambardella, a long-time BGC member.

Support BGC

During display days, scarecrow appreciators can also assist BGC programs and efforts by dropping a donation in collection baskets manned by BGC members on the green (look for the folks wearing green aprons). Proceeds from donations will be used to underwrite BGC's civic beautification projects.

Over the years, BGC has planted thousands of daffodil bulbs throughout town, from Branford Point to points all along Main Street and beyond, creating rafts of yellow blooms come spring. BGC members also plant and maintain Main Street's lamppost baskets and many garden spots in Branford, such as the Veterans Memorial Flagpole Garden (at town green flagpole), Mae McCabe Memorial Day Lilly Garden on the green and gardens at Branford Historical Society's Harrison House Museum; as well as pollinator wreaths and decor at Joe Trapasso Community House, Blackstone and Willoughby Wallace Libraries.

For more information on BGC programs, activities and undertakings, visit www.branfordgardenclub.org