Even with no cow pie, Shermerfest still a winner

This year's Cow Pie Moo-lette featured a different cow but the same result as last year when Penny, a 18-month-old Guernsey from the Historic Wagner Farm, grazed but didn't leave anything in return during the 44th annual Shermerfest at Village Green Park in Northbrook Sunday.

In lieu of a cow pie, the position of Penny's right hoof on square number 89 of the 289-square grid, as seen by referee Brian Bruce, was used to determine the winner of the $1,000 prize when time expired. A Cow Pie Moo-lette square cost $20.

Wearing a black western-style shirt with matching cowboy hat and a sheriff's star, Ron Bernardi of Sunset Foods, and a member of the Northbrook Historical Society board of directors, kept the 40-minute event interesting with his narration and cow trivia while speaking through a megaphone.

The dozens of onlookers were enlightened with facts, including what the most common dairy breed is (Holstein); how much milk a dairy cow produces on average; and how much a cow eats, drinks and passes through its digestive system.

Local band Northbrook School of Music and Beer played covers of classic rock n' roll tunes, and a classic car show was an event highlight.

Northbrook Historical Society President Judy Hughes said the classic car show is quite popular with people attending Shermerfest.

"They bring back such good memories for people," Hughes said. "There is a vibe at Shermerfest. Come and spend the day under the oaks and just communicate with your neighbors.

"And people come back year, after year after year," Hughes said.