Cow Appreciation Day 2011

It's that time of the year when all those brave enough to dress head to hoof in cow attire receive a free meal from any Chick-Fil-A restaurant in the country. The more you looked and dressed like a cow, the more free grub you received. A partial costume got you a free entree, while a full costume earned you a whole meal with drink.

"We expect about 1,000 people dressed as cows today" said Mathew Copeland, manager of the . "We usually average 2000 people per day, and we think 50-60 percent will dress for the promotion."

All age cows and bulls were seen grazing on chicken sandwiches, strips, waffle fries and assorted drinks today during " This promotion has been going on for seven years according to the Chick-Fil-A website.

Some bovines looked fine in their attire, while others slapped a black spot or two on a white tee shirt and walked in mooing for a sandwich. Ears and tails were pinned onto shirts and headbands. Cow noses were attached with string. Cow bells could be heard as the herds walked around with their food items. Some "Eat Mor Chiken" signs were hand painted and hung around necks.

A few bewildered customers had no idea what they had walked into and appeared a bit confused as to why there were so many normal looking people walking around in black and white spotted outfits.

Little tykes were wide-eyes staring at all the cows, especially when three very large Chick-Fil-A mascots walked into the store. Some of the little calves were hesitant, but some ran right over for a photo op and a hug.

This event confirmed that Chick-Fil-A has a loyal following of customers willing to go to great length to show appreciation for all things cow.

The cow campaign started in 1995 with one renegade cow painting three simple words "Eat mor chikin" on a billboard. This sign forever changed the era of advertising fast food. Today the cows can be seen on billboards, the internet, TV, heard on the radio and even out in the outfield of Turner Field, home of the Braves.