Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm selects the best cone cow
The second World Championships in making cone cows to be held in June in Merikarvia, Finland
One of the most interesting events this summer will be the World Championships in making cone cows, in Merikarvia, where both the skills and style of the contestants will be put to the test. This contest, to be held on 8 June at the Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm, is the second of its kind at the world championship level. Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm is organising the event as part of the “Let’s do some good – and have some fun”campaign, which encourages people to work together for a good cause and have fun at the same time. The free event will be accompanied by an auction of cone cows to raise funds for UNICEF.
A cone cow is a traditional homemade toy that resembles a cow. It is made from natural raw materials: cones and sticks. Cone cows have been used as toys since at least the 19th and 20th centuries.
Cone cows are an environmentally friendly toy
The World Championships in cone cow making will take place on 8 June 2024 at the Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm. The categories are: schoolchildren, families, and associations and companies (invitational competition).
“The purpose of the contest is to familiarise the children with the traditional Finnish toy, but at the same time it is a pleasant pastime for the whole family. The children can start preparing for the competition by practising. The cone cows are part of Finnish tradition and children’s culture. The competition is meant to be a fun and playful event that celebrates the shared joy of creativity and invention,” says the lady of the farm, Sirkka-Liisa ‘Sirkkis’ Koivuniemi.
The jury consists of a panel of experts with knowledge of the arts and the subject. The experts represent art and children’s culture networks and milk producers. The jury is chaired by sculptor Veijo Setälä. The jury also includes author Aino Havukainen and illustrator Sami Toivonen, who have designed their own Tatu ja Patu emblem for the event.
“The cone cows will be evaluated based on their balance, innovation, introduction and development.”
The previous World Championships were held in 2011. The contestants will be drawn from the registered entries. Registration will open in April.
The world’s first cone cow auction
The World Championships will be accompanied by the world’s first cone cow auction, the proceeds of which will be donated to UNICEF. The pine cones up for auction have been made by famous influencers and artists. The first cone cow to be auctioned was made by pop artist Robin Packalen. The other crafters will be announced in the spring.
Merikarvia in Satakunta, Finland, is a vibrant municipality with just over 3,000 inhabitants. It was selected the most entrepreneurial municipality in the region in 2023. Merikarvia is located by the sea, next to the archipelago of Oura, and is a lively holiday destination for fishermen and tourists.
THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN CONE COW MAKING IN BRIEF
Categories: Schoolchildren, families, and associations and companies (invitational competition)
Rules: Contestants must use natural materials (provided on site) at the location.
The cows are given names, and they are introduced during a ‘cow walk’ (someone other than the creator may perform the introduction). The time available is from cow’s bell to cow’s bell.
Location: Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm, Merikarvia
Evaluation categories: Balance, creativity, introduction, development of the character
Chairperson of the jury: Sculptor-artist Veijo Setälä
The flea market will be open throughout the event. The money raised from the flea markets and auction will be donated to UNICEF.
To the registration form (free event)
