Each fall, something special happens across Madison County. Businesses, organizations, families, and neighbors come together to create a colorful, joyful tradition that reflects the heart of who we are. The Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Scarecrows in the Cities initiative, now in its third year, has grown into so much more than a friendly competition. It has become a true celebration of community collaboration, community pride, and the strong local spirit that connects us all.

This year, our towns came alive with thirty-one imaginative scarecrows, each one representing a piece of the people and places that make Madison County shine. From whimsical to sentimental to downright hilarious, every display told a story, showcased local personality, and reminded us why small-town creativity is unmatched.

But the heart of Scarecrows in the Cities isn’t just the decorations. It’s the connections that form because of them.

Local businesses used their scarecrows as an opportunity to showcase their brand, engage with new customers, and build meaningful relationships with the community. Families made weekend outings out of visiting each town’s displays, some participating in Selfie with a Scarecrow Saturday. Neighbors who might not normally cross paths found themselves sharing conversations, swapping recommendations, and cheering on their favorite creations. This initiative continues to demonstrate that when our community comes together, amazing things happen.

Celebrating Our 2025 Winner

We are excited to share that the 2025 Scarecrows in the Cities winner is Billy Meadows, whose scarecrow, lovingly named Pumpkin, captured hearts all over Madison County. Located in Colbert, Georgia, Pumpkin quickly became a local favorite.

With her bright personality and irresistible charm, Pumpkin stood proudly in her overalls and served up hotdogs, becoming a symbol of the warmth and hospitality that define our community. Her presence sparked conversations, smiles, and countless photos, and the votes poured in. In total, Pumpkin received 433 votes, making her the clear fan favorite this year.

This past Friday, we had the pleasure of presenting Jean and her team with their award plaque and a $100 cash prize. Their excitement, community pride, and artistic creativity are exactly what this initiative is all about. We are so grateful for their participation and their contribution to making this year’s event the biggest and most spirited yet.

Why Scarecrows in the Cities Matters

Beyond the fun, this initiative has become an important way to:

• Strengthen community bonds by encouraging families, students, and businesses to collaborate
• Highlight local businesses in a creative and approachable way
• Boost seasonal tourism in each of our municipalities
• Provide a platform for self-expression, whether through humor, craftsmanship, or storytelling
• Promote city pride and increase engagement with local events

This type of community-wide project reminds us that a thriving county is one where every person, business, and organization feels welcome, valued, and connected.

Looking Ahead

We are deeply thankful to every participant who made the 2025 Scarecrows in the Cities a success. Your creativity, energy, and enthusiasm continue to bring joy to residents and visitors alike. As we look forward to next year, we are inspired by the way this event has brought our community together and helped our businesses shine in such a vibrant, memorable way.

From all of us at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, thank you for helping us grow this tradition into something truly special.

Here’s to more collaboration, more creativity, and more community pride in 2026!