A Wee Chicago Wander Yields a ‘Mooving’ Surprise: Meeting ‘Carmen’ the Cow

Yesterday I wandered through a Chicago neighborhood I hadn’t visited before. The grey, cool day and the wind made me question my decision to explore somewhere new.

Just as I decided to head home, I ‘spotted’ something across the street: something truly spotted!

Have you ever seen something so out of place that you questioned skipping your scheduled optometrist appointment? That was me! My eyes did indeed deceive me!

As I got closer to the point of interest, I smiled. Then I began to giggle a wee bit.

There it was: a cow statue with rabbit ears for Easter and a bright orange cowbell, worn like cherished jewelry.

I walked up to the magnificent creature and noticed a plaque:

Here is the “jewelry” which had but one word on it:

I was going to post these photos yesterday for “Wordless Wednesday.” However, I was so intrigued by my pleasant surprise that I knew I had to find out more about the statue, the name, and the dedication plaque.

Here is what some quick research revealed:

During the summer of 1999, this cow was one of the 300+ fiberglass, life-sized statues displayed during Chicago’s city-wide “Cows on Parade” event. They were displayed throughout downtown.

Each sculpture was decorated by local artists. The event concept was inspired by a similar display in Zurich, Switzerland.

Since the initial “parade,” approximately 75 cities worldwide have created their own cavalcade of cow art.

The event in Chicago created such a ‘stampede’ of interest that it generated an economic impact of over $200 million. After the event concluded, an auction was held, with each statue sold, raising almost $3.5 million for local charities (quite the “cash-cow,” don’t you think?)

Sara Wetzel was one of the lucky bidders who won the cow you see in the photo at the top of this post.

For over 25 years, “Carmen” graced her yard, becoming a beloved treasure to neighbors in the Ravenswood area of Chicago.

Sara Wetzel passed away in 2025, leaving “Carmen” as a gift to the neighborhood for everyone to enjoy. She chose this name because it was the title of her favorite opera, as referenced on the plaque, and because of her love for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

You know, the cold, grey, and windy day turned out to be such a heart-warming adventure! Who would have thought I’d end up stumbling upon a cow named Carmen sporting bunny ears for Easter?