Jazz in the Moonlight

The Friends of Maclay Gardens Inc. will present its second annual “Moonlight Jazz and Scarecrows in the Gardens” fall fundraiser beginning at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road.

Stroll the brick path to the Maclay House and view the scary and funny scarecrows that have been built by youth groups, businesses and nonprofits from around the area. Judges will have made their decisions on the best scarecrows so you will see who won the top cash prizes. A special People’s Choice Award can be voted on during October by visitors to the park and will receive a cash prize. Ask at the visitor center about how to vote for your favorite scarecrow. The scarecrows can be viewed every day during normal park hours in October with the usual park admission fee.

The highlight of the Oct. 24 evening will be several jazz ensembles thatwill be performing on the front porch of the Maclay House. The music committee is excited to present Cuarteto del Sur leading off, jazz with a Latin flavor. The headliner is the Leon Anderson Group with vocalist Avis Berry, traditional jazz.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, picnic dinner and beverages of your choice and choose a place on the lawn in front of the house to listen to the soothing sounds of the jazz groups. Bottled water, soft drinks and desserts will be for sale.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for all students with ID and can be purchased in advance at the ranger station or on the day of the event. Tickets are also on sale at Tallahassee Nurseries, Esposito’s and Native Nurseries.