LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: Main Street scarecrows help usher in fall season

Who is ready for fall, a favorite season for many of us?

The calendar says it’s now October! We’re past the solstice on Sept. 22. We are loving some cooler temps in the early morning and evening. And the season brings some fun happenings for all ages.

So popular are the fall scarecrows showcased in our downtown area — and this year, they have been extended to the Old Mill Trail.

Daughters Sally and Charlotte and granddaughter Grace have planned a Sunday afternoon visit to “check out” all these creations.

Angelle LaBorde, Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center president and CEO, sends us information about them:

“The town of Lexington and the Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center have teamed up again to bring fall cheer and unique scarecrows to downtown Lexington for the fifth year.

“Creative, fun, comical and festive, fall-themed scarecrows will be arriving on Lexington’s Main Street from Oct. 12-29, compliments of more than 43 downtown merchants and area businesses.

“In the past, businesses have celebrated movie themes (e.g., Indiana Jones, Barbie lawyer) and legends like Taylor Swift in their scarecrow designs. I hear there could be one or two Dolly Parton entries this year to celebrate the legacy she left. The entries have showcased the companies’ unique brands and have been interactive and whimsical.

“Vote for your favorite. Lexington’s Scarecrow Stroll stands out with its interactive element: public voting. Businesses compete for the People’s Choice Award by showcasing their creative scarecrows. Simply like your favorite on the town of Lexington’s Facebook page to cast your vote.

“With the popularity of the scarecrows, we decided to take them further up Main Street to the popular Old Mill Trail. The walking trail is popular with residents and families, so several scarecrows will be located on the trail for everyone to enjoy. It will be fun for families to view the scarecrows among the panoramic views of the Old Mill.”

Plan a family outing and be entertained with the presentations. Have a picnic in one of our parks and enjoy quality family time together.

Also, Angelle reminds us:

“Superintendent Keith Price will be the Lexington Chamber’s featured speaker on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Business Over Breakfast. He will discuss the ‘state of the district.’  To register or for more details, visit lexingtonsc.org.”

Pine Press holds its annual Oktoberfest Food-Fun-Friends on Friday, Oct. 23 at 120/142 Ellis Ave., Lexington, from 4-7:30 p.m.  

Jo Dee Douda, chair of our Shepherd’s Center of Lexington, reports:

“The Shepherd’s Center of Lexington fall 2026 Adventures in Learning classes opened with a wide variety of 25 classes including guitar, jamming, battles of the American Revolution and all that jazz. Nearly 200 participants attended the opening session Thursday. Breakfast sponsors for the session included Attentive Angels in Home Care. Lunch sponsors were Wellmore of Lexington and Assisted Living Locators. The speaker for the Oct. 1 session is Missy Callahan. She will discuss her new book, ‘Head On – My Approach to Living with Alzheimer’s.’”

The Shepherd’s Center’s community service activities include:

• Plastic, paper and cloth bags for Mission Lexington
• Aluminum tabs for the Ronald McDonald House
• Lexington County Recreation & Aging Project Warmth

The Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission is committed to improving the quality of life for all citizens through creative and meaningful life-enriching experiences.

In 2011, LCRAC created a holiday season event affectionately named Project Warmth. The organization raised dollars and donations of small fleece lap blankets, winter scarves, gloves, mittens and warm socks that are given to hundreds of seniors throughout Lexington County.

The items collected this session will help the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission deliver warmth again this holiday season.

A thrift sale with baked goods and craft items will be held from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 3, at Lexington United Methodist Church. All proceeds will go to the Emmaus of the Midlands Community, a nonprofit religious organization.

We continue to support our Mission Lexington. Two ingredients, one meal. Canned beef stew and rice — donate today. Also, peanut butter and jelly are always needed.
Take a ride around town and see the fall and Halloween decorations already in place! I saw some pumpkins straight from the patch! And also, a witch stirring her bubbling brew in the cauldron. Happy Halloweening!

Correction in last week’s Chronicle, there was a typo. Marge Carter is 95 years young, not 96!

As L.M. Montgomery said, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."

Have a happy October!