Elsie the Cow has been the beloved visual symbol of the Wallkill Hamlet and its colorful history. This memorable, happy cow of the Borden Dairy Company was voted one of the top ten most outstanding marketing mascots of all time. In this tradition, Vision of Wallkill (VOW) is using the cow theme to create “VOW’S COWS”, artistically painted wooden cow forms that will beautify Wallkill.
VOW’S COWS is another art endeavor brought to the community by Vision of Wallkill. Over the past few years, VOW has offered Art Along the Sidewalk projects featuring our local artists of all ages, Art Workshops, Beauty of Wallkill Art Contest at the annual Weekend of Wallkill, Window Painting of local businesses and silent auction of Plein Aire paintings from area artists.
Local residents, businesses and organizations can reserve a primed cow form (measuring 31” tall by 46” wide) beginning March 7 for a donation of $50. The project is designed for the cows to be painted and then placed outdoors, so materials and paints used must be suitable for extended outdoor display. All levels of artistic ability, and all artistic styles, are welcome. The painted images must be the artist’s own original work, family-friendly and appropriate for public display.
Plans are in place for the painted cows to gather on the lawn of the Wallkill Public Library for a group photo before being displayed at various locations. Finished cows will serve as visual reminders of the future you would like to create for Wallkill, as well as paying homage to our community’s agricultural past. Moreover, it lends honor to the legacy that was made possible through the philanthropy of the Borden Family.
Call (845) 851-8105 or message us on Facebook if you would like to reserve a wooden cow to paint. Pick up for primed, wooden cow forms is Saturday March 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Shawangunk Town Hall. Instructions for painting and displaying, and dates for completion and the group photo of VOW’S COWS will be provided.

The donations raised from this fund raiser will help support future community events sponsored by Vision of Wallkill Monthly Meeting on Thursday March 11 at the town hall community room.
Wallkill Parade canceled again
On a day when most of Wallkill would normally be wearing the green, many people in town will be feeling blue.
Organizers of the annual Wallkill Saint Patrick’s Parade took to Facebook last week to announce that the parade will be canceled for the second year in a row, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual Shamrock Scramble, normally held on the same day and also canceled this year, has been rescheduled for Sept. 19, 2021.