Hundreds of patriotic scarecrows have invaded downtown Meaford.
The town is being transformed into a display of Canadian pride as the Scarecrows Celebrate Canada's 150th.
The scarecrows will grace the entrances to town, Station Hill, and the downtown.
It took over 390 volunteers over 1,170 hours to create a line up of scarecrows all dress in red and white. Plus countless hours go into planning and organizing the event.
The annual scarecrow invasion has been named among the Festival Events Ontario top 100 events and festivals for four years in a row.
Head scarecrow Marilyn Morris says there will be a parade and family festival September 29.
“It’s great family fun for everyone and it’s free,” Marilyn says. “There will be activities, candy apples and cotton candy for the children, entertainment, and displays. The winners of the Views of Meaford Photo Contest, business competition, and apple pie competition will be announced. The winning pies will be auctioned off and slices of apple pie will be sold for $2.”
She adds that strolling among the scarecrows will offer a Canadian history refresher including great personalities, institutions, and inventions.
“We are so proud of our Canadian cuties that are now hanging from lampposts and loitering around town in their red and white finery,” she says. “We are excited about the parade and family festival coming up on Friday, September 29, that kicks off The Big Fall Weekend, which includes the Apple Harvest Craft Show on Saturday and Sunday at the community centre and curling club.
"Did you know that peanut butter is a Canadian invention? Indeed it is. Do you know when it was invented? Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for your history text or doing a bit of background research online. It’s all part of the fun of being Canadian,” she added.
The parade on September 29 starts on Sykes St. at 6pm and the family festival follows at 6:30pm at the Rotary Harbour Pavilion.
