a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 1020 22nd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301
🌟Annual "Dyslexia Isn't So Scary" Scarecrow Competition
Each fall, local businesses, schools, and community groups create fun and creative scarecrows to raise funds for dyslexia therapy scholarships. Entry fees directly support children who need access to structured literacy intervention.
Join the fun — and help open doors for young readers.
❤️ Your Participation Makes a Difference
Entry fees and donations directly support dyslexia services for children who need financial assistance. Every scarecrow entry helps expand access to structured literacy therapy so students can get the support they deserve.
📚 Why It Matters
Dyslexia affects up to 20% of students and often goes unidentified or unsupported in schools. By participating in our scarecrow competition, you're helping bridge that gap and empowering young readers to build skills, confidence, and a brighter future.
🎨 Join the Movement
Support literacy, celebrate creativity, and help change lives.
Make a donation today or plan to enter your scarecrow in 2026!
Winners of the 2025 Contest
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
Lauderdale County Animal Shelter captured first place with a charming and whimsical scarecrow adorned with playful stuffed animals and heartwarming details. Their display brought smiles to all who visited and showcased their dedication to our community’s pets.
Second Place: City of Meridian Animal Shelter
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
The City of Meridian Animal Shelter soared into second place with a creative "Top Gun"-inspired scarecrow, complete with aviator gear and charming pet touches. Their imaginative display celebrated bravery, compassion, and the spirit of rescue with plenty of heart.
Third Place: The MAX
First Place: Lauderdale County Animal Shelter
Third Place: The MAX
The MAX secured third place with a clever and artistic interpretation featuring dyslexic artist Cecelia Moseley. Their standout design highlighted imagination, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Meridian’s arts and cultural community.
Winners of the 2024 Contest
First Place: Clarkdale Elementary
Third Place: Aldersgate Retirement Community
Second Place: Southeast Middle School
Clarkdale Elementary Teachers built this amazing Dolly Scarecrow. Thank you, Angie Pope, Jana Fleming, Stefanie Read, Heather Whitaker for reminding us that D is for Dolly and Dyslexia!
Second Place: Southeast Middle School
Third Place: Aldersgate Retirement Community
Second Place: Southeast Middle School
The Southeast Middle School Teachers built this amazing Mother Nature Scarecrow. "Great Minds Grow Here!"
Third Place: Aldersgate Retirement Community
Third Place: Aldersgate Retirement Community
Third Place: Aldersgate Retirement Community
Aldersgate Retirement Community, a mission of the Methodist Senior Services, brought us Woody, and remind us that we all need our friends!
Winners of the 2023 Contest
First Place: Brickhaus Brewtique
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Mississippi's Craft Beer Headquarters, with statewide micro brewery selections, ranging from the strongest Double IPA to the lightest, crisp and refreshing craft beer specialties. Regional and national breweries also abound on our tap wall, where you will find dozens of regular and seasonal varieties guaranteed to please any palate!
Their
Mississippi's Craft Beer Headquarters, with statewide micro brewery selections, ranging from the strongest Double IPA to the lightest, crisp and refreshing craft beer specialties. Regional and national breweries also abound on our tap wall, where you will find dozens of regular and seasonal varieties guaranteed to please any palate!
Their scarecrow, KimBREWly, won the hearts off patrons, neighbors, and pub crawlers!
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Celebrating 30 years of SpACEy's passion for ink, art, and a rock 'n' roll spirit that sets them apart. They snagged second place with their legendary rockstar scarecrow. It's a testament to their boundless creativity and dedication to standing out from the crowd. Spacey has earned his place as a tattoo destination, renowned for unpara
Celebrating 30 years of SpACEy's passion for ink, art, and a rock 'n' roll spirit that sets them apart. They snagged second place with their legendary rockstar scarecrow. It's a testament to their boundless creativity and dedication to standing out from the crowd. Spacey has earned his place as a tattoo destination, renowned for unparalleled artistry and commitment to quality. The talented team of artists continuously pushes the boundaries of creativity, ensuring each piece of body art tells a unique story.
Third Place: BankPlus
Second Place: Spacey's Rock N Roll Tattoo
Third Place: BankPlus
BankPlus, a name that signifies more than just a financial institution, embodies a dedicated promise. Their slogan not only reflects the institution's historical roots but also its vision for the future—a vision that is taken seriously and personally.
For over a century, BankPlus has operated as a privately held community bank, and today i
BankPlus, a name that signifies more than just a financial institution, embodies a dedicated promise. Their slogan not only reflects the institution's historical roots but also its vision for the future—a vision that is taken seriously and personally.
For over a century, BankPlus has operated as a privately held community bank, and today it proudly stands as a full-service regional bank. This institution's employees consistently go above and beyond to provide customers with additional benefits—greater accessibility, advanced technology, and a comprehensive range of products and services that distinguish them in the industry.
BankPlus's journey of growth and prosperity is a result of their steadfast commitment to serving communities.
Winners of the 2022 Contest
First Place: Vino and Van Gogh
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
The Meridian Museum of Art group, Vino and Van Gogh, put together this unique "bucketful of scarecrows." Each represents a famous artist. The crowd loved the creativity and use of materials.
The Meridian Museum of Art (MMA) is housed in the historic Old Carnegie Library building, which was constructed in 1912-13, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Mississippi Landmark. The Museum seeks to promote and support the art, artists, and art programs of our area and region through art education, exhibitions, collections, collaborations with other organizations, special events, and community involvement.
It is free and open to the public.
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
One of the sponsored scarecrows came in second place. Till Newell Animal Hospital sponsored our fellow non-profit, PLFC and their creation, "Rugged Camper" won over the crowd.
The mission of Pine Lake Fellowship Camp is to provide an environment that draws people of all ages and of diverse backgrounds into renewal of spirit, soul, and body and into reconciliation with God, creation, and each other.
Third Place: Weidmann's Restaurant
Second Place: Pine Lake Fellowship Camp
Third Place: Weidmann's Restaurant
It was neck and neck for quite a while, and this creepy fellow was leading the way at several points in the competition. Weidmann’s was serving up the scares with their scarecrow.
The oldest restaurant in Mississippi, Weidmann's was established in 1870 by Felix Weidmann, a Swiss immigrant who was a chef on a transatlantic steam ship. The present location has been in operation since 1923.
2021 Winner
Till Newell Animal Hospital
The Till Newell team created a charming Snoopy-inspired scarecrow that stole hearts and earned the coveted title!
Till Newell has a history spanning over 60 years, Till-Newell Animal Hospital has been an invaluable part of the Meridian, MS community. Their unwavering dedication to pet care has made them the go-to destination for all things pet-related. Together, they boast over eighty years of combined experience, ensuring your furry family members receive the best care possible. Beyond medical expertise, Till-Newell Animal Hospital is committed to educating pet owners on maintaining year-round pet health through proper nutrition and exercise. They continuously stay at the forefront of veterinarian technology while never losing sight of the most important element – treating every animal with the loving care they deserve, be it during a routine check-up, a procedure, or surgery.
When it comes to the well-being of your beloved pets, Till-Newell Animal Hospital is the trusted partner you can rely on.