Creativity shines at Sawhorse Cow contest

MOSES LAKE - "Cow-A-Bunga" the Ninja cow (also known as the Defender of the Barn in some circles) sits next to "Red, White and Moo," the patriotic cow at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

A ways down is a "Doctor Who" inspired cow, complete with its own TARDIS (time machine and spacecraft) as well as a cow covered completely in flowers. All are entries in the Grant County CattleWomen's annual Sawhorse Cow contest, which requires participants to decorate a sawhorse of any size to resemble a cow or a bull.

The contest was started back in 2000.

Rita Mayrant, a member of the Grant County CattleWomen, said they had 18 entries this year. And judges had a hard time picking winners, she said.

"We had a lot of great entries, and they had a difficult time especially with the 10 and under group," she said. "You could tell people had fun with this, and that's what this whole thing is about."

Judges selected first, second and third place winners for each of the age categories - 10 and younger, 11-14, 15-18 and 18 and older during the first day of the Grant County Fair Tuesday.

Mayrant said winners will each receive a cash prize.

In the 10 and younger age group Samantha Norman, of Soap Lake, took home first place for her red, white and blue-themed cow. Sara Morgan-Stowers, of Moses Lake, won second place and Brooklyn Tebow, of Moses Lake, won third place.

Savannah Strunk, of Moses Lake, who created "Cow-A-Bunga" won first place in the 11-14 age group. Reina Howard, of Moses Lake, and Emily Morgan-Stowers, also of Moses Lake, followed.

Sophia Howard, of Moses Lake, took home the blue ribbon for her entry in the 15-18 age group.

For the adults, Marilyn Fakler, of Othello, came in first. Jessica Norman, of Soap Lake and Linda Strunk, of Moses Lake, came in second and third respectively.

Each of the entries will remain on display at the Grant County CattleWomen's tent, located near the Commercial Building, throughout fair week.

The CattleWomen's group, previously the Grant County CowBelles, was formed in 1960. Today, the group has about 27 active members.

Mayrant said the group works with the Grant County Cattlemen to promote the area's beef industry. In addition to their annual activities - such as the Sawhorse contest, promotional barbecues and the Cattlemen's and CattleWomen's dinner and dance - the group also awards scholarships to two Grant County seniors each year.

Mayrant encouraged people to visit their tent to get more information about the beef industry, including recipes, and information about the group and what they do.