The Meaford Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival began in 1996 with the guidance of local business man George Potopnyk to encourage tourists to shop in the downtown area (B.I.A). The second year a local resident became involved and worked with George to put a little parade together that featured children dressed up as scarecrows. Scarecrow fever ensued. Scarecrows began popping up everywhere right after Labour Day the following year. In three short years (by 1999) the Scarecrow Invasion had become a popular local event in Meaford, attracting friends and family from outside the community as well. The BIA (Business Improvement Area) decided that the event had outgrown its original purpose of attracting people to the downtown area. A group of volunteers from the community became the organizing team. The committee decided to focus the event on children and families. In 2000, Marilyn Morris took over as “Head Scarecrow,” dressed in her best scarecrow finery. The hat and costume became her trademark. In 2002, a scarecrow team member suggested the Scarecrow Invasion go for the Guinness Book of World Records. A town in Portugal held the record of 1,043 scarecrows. Meaford created 2,221 scarecrows, but was beaten out by a small town near Ottawa. Coverage of the event was extensive. Radio Europe, the BBC, Fairchild TV out of Hong Kong, and national media such as CTV and CBC, as well as Harrowsmith Country Life magazine all contacted Meaford. The Scarecrow Invasion was more than a world record attempt. It turned into an event fostering community spirit and attracting tourists to visit the entire municipality and county. Starting in January a volunteer executive worked diligently to make the event even more spectacular. Each year the committee sits down to discuss what works and what doesn’t. They try to add new activities each year that will keep the community involved and interested. As needed, an army of 255 volunteers accept roles as plans are solidified. We are now moving in to the 15th annual Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival. Growth
Apples: In 2000, one bushel of apples was distributed along the parade route. In 2008 there were 14 bushels distributed. Decorating: In 2000, one truckload of cornstalks and four volunteers were used. In 2007, 10 truckloads and 30 volunteers were required. Scarecrows: No longer heavy, straw-filled creations these scarecrow are now light, newspaper-filled characters. In 2000, 25 scarecrows graced downtown. In 2008, 250 were built. Attendance: What used to be a handful of people at the Family Festival and parade, now a major event with an estimated attendance of approximately 5,000. Fame
Known as the Apple Capital of Ontario, Meaford is also quickly becoming known as the Scarecrow Capital too. In 2004, the International Plowing Match adopted the scarecrow as a symbol for Meaford. The Scarecrow Invasion & Family Festival is now one of the top four events in Grey & Bruce Counties. The event now boasts a marching band of its own – The Meaford Marching Scarecrow Kazoo Band celebrated its fifth birthday in 2010. For 2010 Breakfast Television joined the festivities. In 2011 the Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival Volunteers were the recipients of the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism. Lady Liberty, a very dignified scarecrow, is part of Meaford’s branding strategy as symbol of the Other Big Apple.
