Cow chip throwing and festivals have been a staple of Western Civilization culture for hundreds of years. In fact, cow chip throwing is a sport that is practiced all over the world. Some anthropologists believe that ancient man may have used cow chips as weapons to hunt down game or as protection against predators. It is even said that cow chip throwing was a part of the original Olympic Games. Today, Cow Chip Festivals are a time of fun and togetherness with family and friends–while watching participants try to out distance each other by throwing hardened pieces of cow manure. Which is what a Cow Chip is. In case you did not know. [photo via pixabay.com]
Cow Chip Day is a part of our American History. There’s just no explanation on why it became so popular. There probably couldn’t be a good explanation, anyway. Maybe we’re all just drawn to the absurdity of having a contest to see who can throw a piece of cow dung the farthest. We also like the absurdity of how Cow Chips have so many regional monikers. They can be called “cow pies” or “cow pats,” while the chips of the buffalo are sometimes called “meadow muffins.”
Planning to attend a Cow Chip Day festival will no doubt prompt kids to ask the inevitable question – why are we going to watch people play with hard cow poop? You can explain to them that before modern conveniences, there was very little to do for entertainment. People would gather for fairs and festivals, and this was often the only time that neighbors would see each other. Without cars and because most people who lived on farms did not have time for visiting, going to a festival was pretty much the highlight of the summer.
Children might think that the sport of throwing cow chips is enticing, but it should be explained that throwing feces as a sport is best left to the “professionals” before you find them in the backyard throwing poop. If they would like, you can make fake chips, using mudpies that have been shaped and left in the sun to dry. This will resemble a cow chip and probably fall apart after they throw it to minimize clean up.
You and your kids may enjoy whpping up a batch of these Cow Chip Cookies (courtesy of cooks.com). They come with the benefit of being able to substitute chocolate for the otherwise key ingredient, which should come as a relief…
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 stick melted butter
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¾ lb peanut butter
- 2 ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup M&Ms (or other candy)
Directions
Mix the eggs, brown sugar, sugar, melted butter, baking soda, salt, vanilla, and peanut butter. Fold in quick oats, chocolate chips, and candy. Scoop cookie dough onto baking sheet then slightly flatten with the palm of hand or bottom of a cup. Bake at 350 degrees F for ten to twelve minutes.
