Koivuniemen
Herran MUUMAA tourism farm selects the best cone cow
The first 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 11 June at the Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm,
is the first of its kind at the world championship
level, and both children and adults are welcome
to participate.
The patrons of the contest are children’s writers
Aino Havukainen and Sami Toivonen,
who have designed a Tatuand
Patu emblem for the contest. ‘As the emblem
of the contest is, the contest itself is definitely
playful, but at the same time, we want to promote this
traditional children’s toy that has been a part of the
childhood of many,’ says the lady of the farm, Sirkka-Liisa
‘Sirkkis’ Koivuniemi, enthusiastic about the
contest.
The World Championships in cone cow making
are being organised as a one-day event for Saturday,
11 June, at the Koivuniemen Herran farm. The
qualifications and finals will be the same day, with
separate categories for children under age seven as
well as for older children. In addition, a family category
is available, in which adults too can join in.
‘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. They might be a bit unfamiliar for the youngest
children, but most parents and grandparents surely know
what these toys are about,’ Sirkkis says.
Providing many activities for families, Koivuniemen
Herran MuuMaa domestic animal park is a familiar holiday
destination for many. In addition, it is a popular choice
for class trips and nature schools. The World Championships
in making cone cows celebrate the 20th anniversary of
the farm and the Satakunta region’s year as a UNICEF
province.
The World Championship in Cone
Cow Making in Brief
patrons: children’s writers Aino Havukainen and
Sami Toivonen
categories: children under seven years, schoolchildren,
families
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 MuuMaa domestic animal
park, Merikarvia
(cone cows are made in the traditional yard)
evaluation categories: balance, creativity, introduction,
development of the character
chairperson of the jury: sculptor-artist Veijo Setälä
registration: online
and on site (if places are still available)
Source of further information:
MuuMaa farm hostess Sirkka-Liisa Koivuniemi
Koivuniemen Herran tourism farm
MERIKARVIA
Tel. +358 40 533 8057
www.koivuniemenherra.fi
Media and image enquiry point: Communications designer Nina Toivola
PORI Pohjoisranta 11
nina.toivola@kumppania.fi
Tel. +358 50 3856 513
www.kumppania.fi
KOIVUNIEMEN HERRA is a versatile company representing
a new kind of countryside tourism in Merikarvia, in
the Satakunta region. The company’s goal is to offer
experiences in the countryside, close to nature and
in tune with the traditional peasant life in a river
setting. The rural adventure takes place on an old Koivuniemi
farm in Merikarvia.
