Dane County Executive Falk Announces CowParade Cow Coming to Dane County Regional Airport

August 17, 2005
Lesley Sillaman, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

MADISON, Wis. - Some very special cows are coming to America's Dairyland, joining the more than 1.2 million dairy cows that already reside throughout the state. The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) is bringing CowParade, the world's largest public art event, to the State of Wisconsin from June 3 through October 13, 2006. Hundreds of artists, professional and amateur, from throughout Wisconsin will be painting and decorating life-sized fiberglass cows in preparation for CowParade Wisconsin 2006. Madison and surrounding areas will serve as an urban pasture to a herd of 100 painted, costumed and whimsically transformed cows that will be displayed on streets, in parks and near landmarks. CowParade Wisconsin 2006 is the most recent incarnation of the wildly popular public art event designed to celebrate the spirit of fun, art and community. After roaming the city of Madison and surrounding areas, selected cows will be sold at a concluding live auction to benefit the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital and other local non-profit organizations. An on-line Internet auction will also be available to bidders. Presented by WMMB, CowParade will be the impetus for a host of related activities that accentuate the impact dairy farming has on the economic vitality of the state to both residents and tourists. "We're extremely proud to present CowParade to the state of Wisconsin," said James Robson, CEO of WMMB. "The state's dairies help to fuel the economy at the rate of more than $39,000 per minute," he added, "and the average Wisconsin dairy cow generates $17,000 a year in economic activity, helping local communities to support schools, roads and businesses. Our dairy industry employs more than 160,000 people." CowParade Wisconsin 2006 is currently seeking sponsors for cows. Corporations, community groups, individual merchants and private citizens can sponsor a cow, beginning at $6,500 each. The cows are available in three poses-- standing, grazing and reclining-- and weigh approximately 100 pounds each. When installed in their exhibit locations, the cows will be grounded by a 500 pound concrete base. Several businesses have already committed to sponsor CowParade Wisconsin 2006. They are: Capital Newspapers - Official Media Partner, Alliant Energy Center - Official Mooternity Ward, LYCON Inc. - Official Mover and Base Manufacturer and Two Men and a Truck - Official Mover. CowParade was initiated in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1998, and both the 2000 CowParade in New York City and the 1999 CowParade in Chicago were widely touted as the most successful public art programs in the cities' histories. More than 44 million people viewed the New York event while the Chicago event generated nearly $500 million in economic impact. "In Zurich, Chicago and New York City, CowParade made history as one of their most successful art and civic spirit programs ever," said Jerome D. Elbaum, president of CowParade Holdings. "People simply fall in love with the cows. They encourage dialogue and connect people from all walks of life, forging a real sense of community. It's exciting to see America's Dairyland embrace this event," he added. CowParade is making additional stops during 2006 that include Boston, Paris and Lisbon, Portugal. CowParade Wisconsin 2006 is currently accepting proposals from artists who wish to participate in this public art event as well as sponsors. Previous designs have been noted for their whimsy and creativity, from Picowsso to Moona Lisa to Cow-A-Bunga. Artists' submissions are reviewed to ensure they meet the basic guidelines of CowParade. Upon approval, designs will be offered to sponsors for selection. For further artist and sponsorship information or to view cows from past CowParade events, visit the official CowParade Wisconsin 2006 Web site at www.cowparade.com. Information can also be obtained by calling 800-373-9662. Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, a nonprofit organization funded by the state's dairy farmers, promotes the consumption of Wisconsin cheese and other dairy products. # # #