Frying Pan Farm Park’s popular bovine competition, billed as “the slowest race you will ever cheer for,” is set to return to the Herndon-area park this week.
Seven cows will take to the “race track” Thursday evening (Oct. 22) for the seventh annual NASCOW FundRACER at the farm (2709 West Ox Road) in the Frying Pan area south of Herndon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with cows taking to the track at 6 p.m.
While the event is free to attend, the nonprofit Friends of Frying Pan Farm Park is encouraging donations of $20 to support care for the farm’s animals.
“Our staff and animals have been training diligently in hopes of delivering an exciting finish,” park manager Teresa Reynolds said in a press release. “This event continues to grow in popularity and has become a beloved tradition for both our staff and visitors.”
Several hundred spectators generally attend NASCOW, which originally launched during the pandemic to help cover severe funding shortfalls due to cancellations of large-scale events, organizers said.
Information about sponsorships, which are still available, can be found on the event’s website. The park has set a goal of raising $15,000 through sponsorships that will help pay for items such as equipment, facilities, scholarships, fencing, staff training, and food-growing programs.
During the race, farm staff encourage the cows to move toward the finish line by offering grain from local breweries, hay, and fresh alfalfa. In the weeks leading up to the event, staff help the seven contenders build a routine to get accustomed to the racing area.
This year, returning champion JoJo, a Jersey heifer, will take on fan favorite Wisteria, an Angus-Hereford heifer currently leading the pack in sponsorships. Also contending are Charolais-Jersey heifer Charlise, Jersey cow Fauna, Jersey steer John (the) Deere, Jersey steer Rudolph, and Jersey cow Jubilee.
“Every gift helps ensure Frying Pan remains a place of learning, connection, and discovery for generations to come,” said Leslie Painter, a board member with the Friends of Frying Pan Park.
NASCOW isn’t the only special event coming to Frying Pan this week: On Friday and Saturday (Oct. 23 and 24), kids will have the opportunity to trick or treat, make crafts, and play games during a “Halloween on the Farm” event. Admission costs $12.
