Follow the herd

By Linda Smith Hancharick
WARWICK — Did the colorful, funky cows grazing in Lewis Park grab your attention yet?
They are the brainchild of the Warwick Historical Society, which commissioned the cows to promote two of its events – the ongoing exhibit “This Land is Farmland” at the A. W. Buckbee Center, and the annual Party in the Park, set for Saturday, Aug. 25.
Lisa-Ann Weisbrod, executive director of the Town of Warwick Historical Society, said the group wanted a way to highlight the free exhibit that opened in May and runs through Aug. 4, and celebrates Warwick’s farming community.
“The society has gathered photos, tools, housewares and other objects to tell the story of Warwick’s Agricultural past,” said Weisbrod. “The exhibit offers a unique, meaningful and sensory-filled experience with hands-on exhibits exploring the life and lifestyles of the valley.”
“This Land is Farmland” exhibit is open every day at the Historical Society’s home base, the former Albert Wisner Library on Colonial Ave.
The Historical Society is also hosting a series of talks on various topics related to agriculture in the Warwick Valley, including the Migration of Polish and German immigrants to the Black Dirt Region; “My Story-My Farm” first-hand Accounts from Local Farmers, and “Farm to Fork,” the story of a food movement. Check the website, whsny.org, for details.
Annual Party in the ParkThis is the society’s biggest fund raiser. This year, the Historical Society will celebrate Warwick’s vibrant agri-tourism industry, from the scenic orchards to wineries to the farm-to-fork restaurants.
And there will be a cow auction. The painted cows will be auctioned at the party but bidding is also available online at www.whsny.org.
Back to the herdThe nine bovines in the park are the creations of local students, representing each of the schools in the town of Warwick: Park Avenue Elementary, Sanfordville Elementary, Warwick Middle School, Warwick High School, Greenwood Lake Elementary, Greenwood Lake Middle School, Golden Hill Elementary, SS Seward Institute and St. Stephen’s Elementary School.
Each school had a couple of months to design and paint its own cow for the exhibit, Weisbrod said.
If you really like one of these creations, it can be yours if you bid at the auction at the annual party.
Until then, enjoy them in Lewis Park.