It's Moo-la-palooza time!

What is it with cows? I like a good steak or burger as much as the next guy, but I can take or leave the big ol' flatulent bovine they come from. And yet, a couple of weeks ago, Racine had a "dress like a cow" event at Regency Mall. And now we're about to have a "moo like a cow" contest.

Only saving grace: this latest cowmedy event comes with a charitable segment: Every entrant will earn a dollar for 4-H.

And, of course, last year's winner came from Racine: Grand Champion in 2008 was the city's own Phillip Prantle, who won in a "moo-off." As you'd expect, we have a video of this championship event!



Our local bovine bellowers will qualify to compete in this year's Moo-la-palooza at the Wisconsin State Fair, a promotion run by the Cousins Submarines sandwich chain. The 2009 Moo Tour will visit Caledonia on Saturday, July 31, and the Racine County Fair on Aug. 1, in search of the best, brightest and most creative moo-ers to compete in Moo-la-palooza.

Moo Master Sean Cundy and the Cousins Moo Team will audition moo-ers on July 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cousins Subs at 5131 Douglas Ave. in Caledonia, and on Aug. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. in front of the cattle barn at the Racine County Fair. Contestants come dressed in cow outfits, cow hats, and channel their inner moo. There is no cost to enter, and Cousins will donate $1 for every entrant to local 4-H youth groups. The most skillful moo-ers will receive a golden cowbell and the chance to move on to the big competition at State Fair.

The State Fair Moo-la-palooza grand champion receives a $1,000 prize and a year of free subs from Cousins.

“We hope this might be the start of a great tradition,” said Norman Lorentz, owner of the Caledonia Cousins Subs. "4-H does so much for the youth in our state, and Cousins wanted to give something back.”

The Moo-la-palooza competition at the Wisconsin State Fair is on Aug. 15.

For more information on Moo-la-palooza, visit its website or Facebook page.