This is what you do: You throw it like an axe. You throw it overhand. You do it one-handed, of course. You pinch it between your thumb, index, and middle finger and throw it like you would an axe. Also, do it barefoot. That sounds like a bad idea, but you get more traction and you can plant your foot easier when you release the cow pie. Don’t worry, said Sarah Goetsch, a 39-year-old from Sauk City, who participated in last year’s Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw, “All the poop is dried so your feet stay clean.”
Sarah Goetsch, a competitor in last year’s Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw competition, is excited about this year’s festivities.
SARAH GOETSCH. Goetsch, and many others, will hot foot it over to the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw and Festival over the Labor Day Weekend at Prairie du Sac’s Marion Park. “We’re excited to bringing it back to a two-day event,” touted Stephanie Brickl of the Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce. The event took place last year, during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was only one day.
The main attraction is the cow chip tossing. Friday night has a corporate throw where 4-person teams, sponsored by a business, huck cow pies. Regardless of distance, the best dressed team wins a prize.
Cow Chip Throw History
The cow chip was a life-sustaining utility and was often used in trade for food or anything the pioneers needed. In 1970 tossing cow chips became a sport in the Cimmarron Territory Celebration held each year in Beaver, Oklahoma in remembrance of the rugged courage and individualism of the early pioneer.
Cow Chip Throw Highlights
- Cow Chip Tossing Contest
- Art & Crafts
- Kids Games
- Live Music
Beer Garden - 5K Race
Cow Chip Throw Fun Fact
The current record for throwing cow dung is 248 feet it! No gloves are allowed…yuck!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
September 2 and 3
Marion Park – Prairie du Sac
Friday:
Tony Rocker: 5-7:30 p.m.
Corporate Throw: 5:30 p.m.
John King Band: 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Saturday:
Food Court: Open all day
5K/10K run/walk: 8:00 a.m.
Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Volleyball Tournament: 9:00 a.m.
Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 noon
Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 p.m.
German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 p.m.
Dan Lepien: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 p.m.
Mark Hayward Juggler Yo-Yoer: 3:30 p.m.
52nd Street Band – A Billy Joel Tribute 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Cheap Shots: 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.
Tossing Cow Dung for a Good Cause?
Tossing cow dung is not just some weird Wisconsin fun, the whole festival is a very large fundraiser! In fact the festival has helped 21 non profit groups!
When is the Festival?
August
Where is the Festival?
Wisconsin