CowParade considered an udderly fabulous fund-raiser

Friday, April 26, 2002 | 10 a.m.

In mid-September the cows are coming home to Las Vegas -- in a public art exhibit that has drawn millions of viewers in cities from New York to Kansas.

"CowParade" brings herds of heifers to the area for a display that lasts until Nov. 24, ending in an auction of the fiberglass statues with the proceeds going to charities, said Buck Deidrich, executive director of the event.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman even wants a cow for his office.

The lead bovines in the Las Vegas CowParade will represent magicians Sigfried and Roy, Deidrich said.

A cow representing comedian Carol Burnett led the New York City parade, which brought an estimated $400 million into the city's economy.

Two of the life-size cows, which cost $7,500 each to make, were introduced Thursday at the Four Seasons. "Belle, a Cow for all Seasons" and "Udder Romance" will be on permanent display there. The Four Seasons in London has a similar pair.

The 600 cows expected in Las Vegas come in three poses: standing, grazing or reclining. They weigh about 100 pounds each.

An individual, corporation or community group sponsors a single cow or an entire herd, Deidrich said.

On Nov. 24 the best cows from Las Vegas will be auctioned. Most cows go for an average of $18,000 to $20,000, Deidrich said.

The all time champion fund-raiser drew $118,000 in a Kansas City auction. The cow was painted by fourth grade students there, who dipped their hands in paint and then put them down on the white cow.

CowParade is a tribute to art and a means of supporting local charities while having fun, Deidrich said. Local artists have gotten into the spirit of cow decorating.

"It's going to rain comic and artistic cows by mid-September," Deidrich said.

To learn more about CowParade, visit the website at www.cowparade.net.