Fall is officially here, and nothing says “Fall in Park City” like two of our favorite annual events – the Scarecrow Festival at the iconic McPolin Farm and the return of Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Halloween show, “Thriller,” at the historic Egyptian Theatre. 

If you haven’t taken a stroll — or bike ride — along this paved stretch of path that meanders past the McPolin Barn, now is the perfect time to explore this historic landmark, which was first homesteaded in 1886. The barn, a huge 7,468-square-foot structure built without using nails, was erected in 1908 from recycled timber salvaged from an old mine tailings mill, and each fall, it serves as a beloved backdrop for the community Scarecrow Festival featuring straw creations by resident families, businesses (no advertising) and more. 

Grab your family and friends and enjoy a healthy dose of Halloween spirit on Saturday, Oct. 2, when the festival kicks off with a community scarecrow-building celebration complete with pumpkin painting, face painting, cookies and cider, from 2-4 p.m. Head to the McPolin Farm to build your own scarecrow, which will be displayed along the path’s railing for everyone to visit throughout October.

Park City will provide straw for stuffing, a support to install your scarecrow along the trail and a display packet. You bring all the items to build your scarecrow including:

• a head, 
• clothing, 
• shoes, 
• props, 
• scissors,
• any other fun funky accessories you can think of!

You can also build your scarecrow at home and put it up whenever you choose — just don’t forget your registered nametag found in your display packet!

Two types of ticketing are available: event and non-event tickets. Event tickets are $40 and include a support, straw stuffing, and a display packet including zip ties and nametag for your ’crow, plus pumpkin painting, face painting, cookies and cider on Oct. 2 from 2-4 p.m. 

Non-event tickets are $20 and include a support, display packet and straw stuffing at the farm, which will be available on the lawn after the in-person event is over at 4 p.m. Festival participants can fill their scarecrows at home with plastic garbage bags, but please note, organizers recommend to avoiding using paper or newspaper for stuffing since it will get wet and moldy in the inevitable wet weather. 

NOTE: Tickets are available online and in advance only. Tickets will NOT be available on site or day of. You must create an account to register. All tickets are non-refundable. 

While the event is an outdoor festival, it will follow Summit County Health Department’s COVID-19 safety guidelines, and volunteers will be wearing masks. Also, organizers ask participants to please leave pups at home. 

Limited parking is available at the McPolin Trailhead parking lot across S.R. 224 (use the pedestrian underpass to access the farm), with additional parking at the trailhead on Meadows Drive. People also are encouraged to walk or bike to the farm, and a reminder there is no parking on 224. All tickets to McPolin Farm events include free shuttle service from the PC MARC as there is no event parking at the farm.

Visit McPolin Farm’s website for more event details, news about upcoming seasonal events and more on this iconic, historic Park City landmark.

THE THRILL IS ON!

Following a shortened run in 2020 due to the pandemic, Odyssey Dance Theatre’s annual Halloween show, “Thriller,” returns to Park City Main Street’s historic Egyptian Theatre, now through Oct. 10, with more than a dozen performances sure to dance up a scare for audience members new and old!

This year’s show, celebrating 25 years, features all the favorite pieces from previous years including “Thriller,” “The Curse of the Mummy,” “Dem Bones,” “Frankenstein,” “Jason Jam,” “Salem’s Mass” and “The Lost Boys,” plus several new surprises. 

Mystifying, mesmerizing, morbid monsters and maniacs … from frights and scares to lots of laughs, this yearly Halloween tradition has it all. PLEASE NOTE: “Thriller” uses theatrical haze and strobe lighting, and is NOT recommended for children under 12 – or for the faint of heart!

Reduced pricing is available during opening weekend and weekday performances, but check availability as shows are selling out! Showtime is 8 p.m.; Sunday shows begin at 6 p.m.; 3 p.m. matinees available Oct. 2 and 9. Visit egyptiantheatrecompany.org for complete details and more on upcoming shows.