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They wait motionless in their bin, legs folded in unimaginable positions that might make even a contortionist cringe.

Not to worry, no harm is being inflicted. They are, after all, only pants, but what an impressive assemblage of clothing they are. Big pants, small pants, narrow pants, wide pants, pants of all colors, a mind boggling 1,200 pair in all.

Those pants will achieve their destiny -- putting smiles on the faces of children and adults who transform them into scarecrows Saturday at the AppleJamm festival at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel.

Be assured, those attending this annual celebratory passage into fall will fashion that transformation with relish and glee, working alone, together, as couples and entire families.

"Making scarecrows is always the favorite activity of the day. People always love that," says Rachel Handel, festival and Beechwood spokeswoman. "And it's not just popular with kids. Adults have a great time choosing outfits (including shirts and hats to complement those pants) and building their scarecrows, too."

Participants use straw to decide how fat or thin they want their creation to be, and they decorate its face to give it a distinctive personality.

By the end of the day, the front walkway is lined with scarecrows just waiting to go home with their owners.

It's all part of the charm of this fest that has entertained generations with craft-making (including a bagel bird feeder), live music and other performances, storytelling, pie feeding and apple on a string contests, sack races, tempting food and more.

"It's extremely fun to watch the kids as they attempt to bite the hanging apple while they hold their hands at their sides," says Handel.

An outdoor maze and airbrush tattoo artist are new this year.

The fest favorite band, Full Steam Ahead, is back for yet another year. "The music is appealing to adults and kids and get people up and dance," Handel says.

"Although we continue to add and change elements of AppleJamm, one of its most endearing qualities is its old-fashioned nature," says Jim Bonner, executive director of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, which owns and operates Beechwood. "It's hard to improve on classic, outdoor family activities."

It's gratifying to watch as families grow with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Handel says. "Children become more aware of nature as they grow up with parents encouraging them to learn more about the natural world," she says.

One of the unique elements of AppleJamm is the location on a nature reserve. "People are surrounded by the beauty of nature, the changing leaves, miles of hiking trails, a pond, plants, animals and birds," she says.

Bonner never tires of hearing the surprised reactions from first-time visitors. "The most frequent comment is, 'I never knew there was a place like this so close to Pittsburgh,' followed closely by 'I can't wait to come back,' " he says.

"You can find something unique and special to yourself here," he says.

That's probably why a trip to Beechwood was named the "Best Outdoor Activity" in this year's edition of Pittsburgh magazine's "Best of Pittsburgh," he says. People use many adjectives to describe Beechwood, he says, including "peaceful," "beautiful," "exciting," "interesting" and "reinvigorating."

AppleJamm provides a convenient overview of what is available there. Bonner says the festival clearly is a community favorite. "Throughout the year, people ask me how plans are going for the next one," he says.

Many of the vendors and entertainers come back every year, because they enjoy the event and the environment, Handel says.

A beautiful, sunny day attracted almost 2,000 people last year, necessitating that registration be required for this year to assure parking spaces and so that enough supplies will be ready for crafts, scarecrows and other activities.

Those registering at Beechwood or by phone (412-963-6100) will receive an assigned off-site parking space. Free shuttles will operate from lots at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church and Shady Side Academy Senior School.

It is particularly rewarding, Bonner says, to hear parents talk about coming as children with their parents. "They are excited to be carrying on the tradition," he says.

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