The Village of Floral Park will hold a Centennial Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 20 that includes a tour of the Gardens, Fun Run for all ages and scarecrow and photography contests along with various activities and entertainment throughout the day. The rain date for all events is Sunday, Sept. 21.

Join fellow residents for a beautiful day in the passive and enjoyable Centennial Gardens located between Floral Parkway and Raff and Carnation Avenues. The main reception center will be at the Floral Parkway gate but all walk-in gates will be open. Guided tours will take place hourly to show how the gardens have grown thanks to efforts by Floral Park Conservation Society volunteers.

The Floral Park Centennial Fun Run at the Gardens will also take place on Sept. 21 thanks to race directors Doug Hayden, Jackie Hance and Ken Kelly. A Pee Wee Run will be held at 9 a.m.; the 1 Mile Rune for the Birds will be at 9:15 a.m.; and the 5K Race will be at 9:45 a.m. Entry fees are as follows: Pee Wee Run (7 years and under) - $5; 1 Mile Run - $20; and 5K Race - $20. T-shirts are guaranteed for all pre-registered runners and walkers. Number pick-up on race day is between 7:45 and 9 a.m. Awards will be given to all Pee Wee participants. In the 1 Mile Run the first place male and female under 18 only will be awarded and, in the 5K run, awards will be given to the first place male and female, only, in 13 different age divisions.

During the Centennial Gardens Scarecrow and Photography Contests, families, friends, residents, merchants and children will be a part of the fun. A barbeque will take place at the Gardens along with various types of entertainment for young and old, including live music, contests, magic shows, a predator bird show, a variety of insect and reptile exhibits, art displays, games and hay and pony rides throughout the day.

Ed Geraghty is coordinating the scarecrow contest. Create your own themed scarecrow and dress it or decorate it accordingly. All scarecrows must be at least four-feet tall and include have ones name and telephone number pinned to its back. Contestants must bring a completed scarecrow to the Floral Parkway gate entrance by 11 a.m. All scarecrows will be displayed along the hayride route where riders will be able to view and judge them. At the end of the hayride, riders will be able to vote for their favorite scarecrow. Scarecrows of this size are available for purchase at Michael's Arts & Crafts. For more information, call Ed at 395-8204.

A theme photography contest will be held and all photos will be displayed under a tent for viewing, judging and enjoyment. Photos must be 8x10 and fit into one of two categories: Recreation or Gardens. Divisions by age will be set up as follows: grade school, high school and open divisions. Please include your name, address, telephone number and age on the back of all photo entries. For more information, contact Jean Sinnot at 437-9213 or email CentennialPhoto@gmail.com.

The schedule of events is as follows:

9 a.m.	Pee Wee Fun Run
9:15 a.m.	1 Mile Race for the Birds
9:45 a.m.	5K Race
10 a.m.	Art League Display
	Make Your Own Birdhouse (CG)
10:30 a.m.	Hands of Floral Park (green wall)
	Mother Goose Story Time (CG)
	Make a Leaf Magnet (CG)
11 a.m.	Bird Talk with Falconer Bob Young
12 p.m.	Music Begins ÐÊLI Banjo Society
Noon-3:30 p.m.	Lunch ÐÊFull Meal Ticket
1 p.m.	Hayrides, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo,
	Reptiles of the World (CG)
1:30 p.m.	Family Scarecrow Contest
2 p.m.	Music ÐÊArtie Miller Jazz Band
	Bird Talk with Falconer Bob Young
	Build a Giant Bird Nest (CG)
	Potato Sack Races
	3-Legged Races, Egg Spoon Races
	John Lewis Child Arboretum Tour
3 p.m.	Photography Contest Judging
	Best Fall Flower/Plant Basket
	Crazy Looking Bugs (CG)
4 p.m.	Magic Show with John Reid
5 p.m.	Barbeque resumes (a la carte)
6 p.m.	Announcements and Contest Winners
7 p.m.	Music Ð Cascades
	Artificial Sun
9:30 p.m.	Gardens Close

Barbecue tickets are available, at a discounted rate, at Floral Park Village Hall, One Floral Boulevard, or online at fpvillage.org. For more information regarding the Centennial Celebration, contact Susan Walsh at Floral Park Village Hall at 326-6353.