You won’t see Dorothy slipping Scarecrow off his post as he bemoans he wished he had a brain at the McNeill Walking Trail, but there will be plenty of scarecrows uniquely fashioned by community members, businesses, and organizations at the McNeill Walking Trail Fall Fest.

“The county owns the trail,” said McNeill Walking Trail committee member, Matty Fox. “But we promote the community enjoyment of the trail. We have the Easter Egg hunt and Christmas on the trail, and this year, the Fall Fest.”

While trying to keep the event as uncomplicated as possible to gauge the community’s interest, Fox said the committee is still going big for the Fall celebrataion with fun activities for the kids, contests, and music. “This is the first time we have done the Fall Fest,” explained Fox.

The McNeill Walking Trail Fall Fest will be held on Saturday, October 31, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

“It will be fun for the whole family,” said Fox, adding that this year a Trail of Scarecrows would line the walking trail.

Continuing, she said that they would like to see the whole community get involved in the festivities by creating their own scarecrow for the Trail of Scarecrows. “Any business, individual, organization, or school class can get in on the Scarecrow Trail by building a ‘family-friendly’ scarecrow to enter in the contest,” said a press release from Fox.

In addition, adding to the fun, each participant will be allowed to pick their own spot on the trail for their man or woman of straw. “We will have stakes placed along the way for the scarecrows,” Fox continued. “They need to have them there before noon so they can be in place (for the festivities.)”

She added that participants in the Trail of Scarecrows can put up their masterpieces before the day of the Fall Fest if they wanted to. “We hope to leave them on display — that is unless, of course, if someone wants to take their’s home.”

For the young and old alike, there will be a costume contest at the Fall Fest, with divisions for babies, young childen, teens, adults and families that dress in costume together. A King and Queen of Fall Fest will be selected from all the winners.

The Walking Trail committee stressed, though, that participants need to keep in mind this is a family event when deciding on their Halloween apparal. “Again, ‘family-friendly’ costumes are welcome,” said the press release.

In addition, even if not dressing for the occassion in your scariest, or cutest, or funniest, participants are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and pass out candy to Trick or Treaters — children under 12 only please — as they walk the Trail of Scarecrows. Fox said parents are also welcome to bring their children to trick or treat along the scarecrow trail. “Children can walk around the walking trail trick or treating,” said Fox.

To entertain the children, there will be face painting, and for everyone’s enjoyment, music will be provided at the Walking Trail.

For those who come hungry or want to stave off the kids’ appetites before they munch on too much candy, Cuevas Fish House dinners, with your choice of fish or chicken, as well as soft drinks, will be on sale. Picnic table are available in the park, along the walking trail and under the pavilion. The dinners will also be be available for take-out.

“We’ll see how it goes and hopefully we will be able to continue this tradition,” Fox said.

To get to the festivities, the McNeill Walking Trail faces McNeill-Henleyfield Road, across from the school, and additional parking is available across from the Fire House.

For more information, call 601-798-2272 or 601-798-4374.