Chicken Fans Give Some Love to Cows

Halloween is still more than three months off, but that didn't stop more than 100 Murrieta residents from dressing up as cows to get free food.

Stickers, markers and felt patches were used to transform white T-shirts or trash bags into cow costumes for seventh annual Cow Appreciation Day, so the chicken's barnyard friend, the cow could get some recognition.

Whether they chose to eat in or pass through the drive-thru, customers who dressed "head to hoof" received a free meal, including an entrée of choice, a side item and drink. Those who wore a partial costume received a free entrée.  

Murrieta Chick-fil-A owner Jenny Jones said the event is something they participate in each year.

“We value our customers and this is a great way to get brand recognition while doing something fun for the community," Jones said.

The Chick-fil-A franchise has gained popularity in recent years due to its all-natural chicken and family atmosphere, but many residents agree the Murrieta location is one of a kind.

Something unique to the location is its free family night. Every Tuesday, families can join in on different activities such as macaroni crafts and homemade science experiments. This week’s activity prepared many families for Cow Appreciation Day by providing decorations and hats to wear for the occasion.

“We came to [their] family night and they gave us paper hats to wear and tips for decorating our costume,” said Jennifer VanBoxtel. “We were able to make it a family activity, making the costumes and then also being able coming here and get a free meal.”

The VanBoxtel family frequents the restaurant at least once a week.

Others heard about the event on the radio or through Facebook or Twitter. Jessica Jimenez got word of the event from a Facebook update and brought her two children.

“It’s great they do this; it’s a great incentive to taste the food,” Jimenez said. "We really appreciate it because it allows us to do something fun together.”

It was the first year the McWaters family donned cow costumes together for the event.

“It’s a fun way to bring families and the community together,”  Roseanne McWaters said. “We feel so blessed, we thought we were only going to get an entrée, but we received whole meals.”

Couples and groups, young and old, participated in the event. 

A group of children from Crayon Ranch Childcare Center in Murrieta made it a two-day event. Beginning the day before, they made their own costumes from butcher paper and paint, and learned a little about cows.

“All the children were excited not only for the free food, but to make their costumes,” said Linda Scott, program director. “It’s nice we could take a field trip and do something unusual with the kids.”  

While everyone enjoyed the free food, those in attendance agreed getting to dress up like a cow was the best part.

"It’s a fun summer activity to do with the family,” McWaters said. “Besides, where else can you do something like this?”