By Kim McDarison
Don’t have a cow, or maybe, do. If the Fort Atkinson Beautification Council has its way, Fort Atkinson will be having lots of cows.
Dedicated to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Fort Atkinson, and embracing the area’s storied dairy farming history, in May, the members of the Beautification Council announced they had formed a committee. Its focus: creating a “cow parade.” The project embraced the concept of placing near life-sized bovine statues strategically throughout the city. The idea was meant to honor the city’s dairy heritage while also contributing to efforts to shore up the community as a “tourism destination.”
A vision included placing statues of cows representing each of the traditional dairy breeds — Holstein, Red-and-White Holstein, Guernsey, Jersey, Brown Swiss, Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorn — in aesthetically pleasing and practical locations.
A committee to get the cows moving included Jude Hartwick, Alan Cook, Gail Cook, Ryan Ebert, Mariah Hadler, Trish Jonas, Peggy Brandenburg, Roy Hetts, Deb Lundy and Katelyn Allen with Tourism Committee input from Holly Tierney.
The developing plan called for the council to obtain 4- by 7-foot cows constructed of fiberglass, and then hiring Milton artist Larry Schultz, best know in Fort Atkinson for painting the mural on the city’s Water Department building, to paint the statues.
In May, the committee had identified an overall cost of the project at approximately $35,000. The statues would be purchased from FAST Fiberglass, LLC, a Sparta-based company.
The money would purchase approximately six cows, including the artist’s services to paint them.
Some sponsors for the project had already been identified, the committee members told Fort Atkinson Online in May, and the committee was forming additional plans to find sponsors for each statue to finance its purchase and yearly maintenance.
Moving ahead
Since the plan’s unveiling in May, there have been some new developments.
Earlier this month, the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the Beautification Council had joined its ranks as a new member, noting that, “under the leadership of the Fort Atkinson Beautification Council, the community has witnessed numerous impactful initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the city’s rich heritage. The council is currently undertaking an exciting project that is already generating significant buzz and enthusiasm among residents and visitors alike.”
The chamber, within its new-member release, announced that the cow parade of life-sized replicas was the cause of the aforementioned enthusiasm.
Within its release, the chamber noted: “The Fort Atkinson Beautification Council invites individuals, businesses and organizations to participate in this exciting endeavor by contributing financially to the cow project or becoming a cow host. By donating or committing to have a cow statue at their business, supporters can actively contribute to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of Fort Atkinson.”
Further, the chamber announced several sponsorship levels at which those interested could become involved. They are: “Supreme Champion,” $4,000-plus; “Grand Champion,” $2,500-plus; Intermediate Champion, $1,000-plus; Junior Champion, $500-plus; Rosette, $250-plus, and Blue Ribbon, $25-plus.”
In addition to the chamber’s announcement, Hartwick announced Monday that Frostie Freeze, 208 Madison Ave., Fort Atkinson, will soon be “hosting” a Brown Swiss replica. He anticipated that the statue could be in place as early as this fall.
Hartwick said Brown Swiss cows are known for their rich cream content used for making milk, ice cream and chocolate, making the replica a good match for the community’s ice cream shop.
Within the release, Brianne Brandenburg, owner of Frostie Freeze, said she was eager to display the cow.
“I am excited because it’s unique and fun. The cow fits with our ice cream passion,” Brandenburg was quoted as saying in the release.
Those interested in learning more or supporting the project with a donation are encouraged to contact Hartwick by email: judehartwick@gmail.com or by U.S. Mail, by addressing correspondence to: Beautification Council of Fort Atkinson, P.O. Box 152, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538.
An earlier story about the cow parade, including an extensive history about Fort Atkinson and its dairy-related heritage, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/beautification-council-planning-cow-parade/.
An earlier story about Milton artist Larry Schultz is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/milton-artist-fort-mural/.
A replica of a fiberglass cow as supplied by the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce courtesy of FAST Fiberglass, LLC.
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