Name the Cow Contest Name and Winners Announced
Bessie is the winner of the Name the Cow Contest, as selected by a vote of the community.
The name Bessie was submitted by Cerritos residents Siu-Lee Chang, Mason Hampden, Anthony Hoang, Melissa Snyder, and Stewart Shen. These residents will be recognized at the February 23, 2026, City Council meeting and awarded special City keepsakes.
The City of Cerritos commissioned nationally acclaimed sculptor Jane DeDecker to create Milking Time – A Tribute to Dairy Valley. Milking Time is a series of bronze sculptures that includes a farmer, his son and daughter, the family dog, and a cow. The artwork reflects Cerritos’ agricultural roots and the enduring values of family and community, and it is fully funded through developer paid contributions to the City’s Art in Public Places Program. The sculptures will be installed at the Cerritos Civic Center this year to celebrate the City’s 70th anniversary.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Name the Cow Contest.
Key Dates
- February 23, 2026: Participants who submitted the winning name will be recognized at the City Council meeting.
- An event to dedicate Milking Time – A Tribute to Dairy Valley will be held in 2026. Details will be posted soon.
About Our Cow
She was born in Dairy Valley, California, and remembered for her gentle nature. A devoted mother to two playful calves, she loved spending time in the fields—grazing with her friends, roaming the pasture, and basking in the sunshine. Treasured by the farmer’s family, she was especially loved by the children, who often brought her crisp apples and fresh carrots as treats.