Cows to Possibly Parade Through White Plains

Cows may soon be roaming throughout the city—though they won’t be the kind the department of public works will have to clean up after.

In an effort to draw people to the city’s local businesses, entertainment venues and other attractions—Rick Ammirato, executive director of the White Plains Business Improvement District (BID), wants to bring CowParade to White Plains. 

CowParade, according to their website, is “the largest and most successful public art event in the world.” The project commissions artists to decorate life-sized cow sculptures that are sponsored, by local businesses and others in the community, then auctioned off for charity.

“Part of our mission at the BID is to bring people, residents and visitors, to spend time in our shops, spend money and really avail themselves to all of the wonderful things in the heart of our downtown,” said Ammirato, during his presentation at the White Plains Common Council’s special meeting Wednesday.

“It’s [CowParade] a good way to get people energized to see it, especially local people.”

Ammirato said the cows would be mostly be on display in the downtown area, but would be spread throughout the city. Placement consideration would be given to those would are sponsoring the cow. About 50 to 65 cows would be placed in White Plains. There would also be a designated cow infirmary where people could watch artists repair any damaged sculptures—though Ammirato said vandalism should not be an issue.

 After the cows are on display for about three months an auction would be held for the cattle, with proceeds going to local charities. Ammirato suggested that the schools could also decorate cows and raise money for their classes or a charity. CowParade has raised more than $20 million for non-profit organizations since 1999.

Cow owners include Oprah Winfery, and Elton John. Congresswoman Milagros Lecuona collects the mini-versions of the cows. 

The main objective for the project is to cause a buzz and draw people to the city to see the cows—thus exposing them to White Plains restaurants, bars, theatres and everything else the city has to offer. More than 100 million people around the world has seen a CowParade scuplture, according to their website. Ammirato estimated that the art installation could attract about 100,000 people to White Plains.

“I think we as a City need to come up with unique ways to bring people into the city,” said Council President Benjamin Boykin, at the meeting.

The White Plains CowParade would pay local artists about $1,000 per cow. More than 5,000 artists, at all skill levels and backgrounds, have worked on their own unique cow—according to CowParade’s website—no two cows are the same.

Each cow costs about $7,000. Sponsors would pay for the costs for the cows. A committee would be formed to ensure that the cows are properly placed and are in safe areas. The council would ultimately have to give the BID approval to place the cows on City-owned property.

“It’s just a fun thing,” said Councilman John Martin, who previously served on the BID when the CowParade was first discussed. “I just don’t see any downside to try and experiment with it—whether it be cows or fish, whatever it is.”

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