The streets of Meaford will once again be invade by scarecrows as the 14th annual Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival returns for another year. Beginning in mid-September scarecrows of every size, shape and description will begin popping up all over Meaford, hanging from light standards, posing on bridges and greeting customers in storefront displays.  The theme for the Invasion this year is the Wizard of Oz which is sure to delight young and old. The Scarecrow Invasion has grown in popularity every year, and it is now common to see the community participating with the creation of their own front lawn scarecrow displays.  The Invasion is the prelude to the big event on Friday October 1st when the Rotary Scarecrow Parade and Scotiabank Family Festival are held. Organizers are thrilled to announce the return of the OPP Golden Helmets who will kick off the parade at 5 PM on October 1st.  The OPP Golden Helmets showed off their supreme motorcycle riding skills at the Scarecrow Festival in 2008 and proved to be popular with the more than 3,000 spectators who lined Sykes Street to take in the show. “It is an honour to have the OPP Golden Helmets return to Meaford.  Come and to see this amazing show!” says Head Scarecrow Marilyn Morris of the return of the Golden Helmets. Following the OPP Golden Helmets will be the Rotary Scarecrow Parade which will wind its way along Sykes Street and down to the beautiful Meaford Harbour Pavilion where the Scotiabank Family Festival will ensure fun for all ages. There is no charge for admission to the Family festival, as organizers request that everyone simply bring their community spirit!