As the season of fear draws near, scarecrows took over the New York Botanical Garden for a night of Halloween fun.
The garden’s ‘Scarecrows: From the Heartland to Horror’ came to life on Friday, October 21 featuring many awe-inspiring natural sculptures, massive pumpkins and giant skeleton performers.
Sculptor and artist Ray Villafane created the original installation exploring the scarecrow’s evolution from its everyday agricultural role to its status as a cultural icon in films and comic books.
The spooktacular event is opened to children of all ages on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m inside NYBG’s Adventure Garden.

(l-r) Pelham Parkway residents Bridgette; Rhapsody; Isabelle; Catherine; Jennifer; Anthony, Jr. and Anthony Walden had a great time celebrating the Halloween season.
Photo by Laura Stone

Jack O’ Laterns sat perched atop the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden’s entrance.
Photo by Laura Stone

Juan (l) and Enrique Rangel traveled from Crotona Park to see the garden’s ‘Great Pumpkins’.
Photo by Laura Stone

A pumpkin-headed scarecrow gazed down at spectators from its perch.
Photo by Laura Stone

Calavera Catrina (r) and her troupe Mascaravia skeletons gave a spine tingling performance.
Photo by Laura Stone