They’re the most famous cows around — the cows from the Chick-fil-A commercials. Whether making beef-lovers worldwide feel guilty for eating them, painting water towers or skydiving into sports stadiums, these cows have got it goin’ on!
It all started 12 years ago with a rogue cow taking paintbrush in hand and painting three simple words, “Eat Mor Chikin,” on a billboard. The event has steadily grown in popularity and taken over the fast-food industry in July each year; this year it is celebrated on July 12.
What exactly is Cow Appreciation Day? It’s the day when Chick-fil-A awards any customer who comes in dressed like a cow from “head-to-hoof” a full free meal at participating restaurants. Even in the heat of summer, customers nationwide don cow costumes and “stampede” to Chick-fil-A to claim their prize. Don’t have a cow costume lying around your house? No problem! You can still get a free sandwich for dressing partially like a cow. The Chick-fil-A website even offers suggestions on how to look like a cow (a white t-shirt with black spots, anyone?).
With the advancement of social media, the event has blossomed into an all-day fun fest. Last year the restaurant chain made a splash by taking to Twitter to actively promote the day with a series of tweets and the hashtag #CowAppreciationDay. All day long the cows tweeted from their home updating customers about the promotion and generally spreading good cheer. All to save their hides (pun intended) and promote the eating of chicken. With over 500,000 members of their Facebook herd, the cow campaign is here to stay.
And, of course, the cows are “eating it up.” They are not only “spokes-animals” for the restaurant, but models as well — their 2016 calendar is available for purchase on the Chick-fil-A website.
Needless to say, Chick-fil-A fully supports and appreciates the efforts made by our most beloved bovine friends.