Deja Moo: An Udderly Leggenddairy Country Fair

Is it the excuse to roll out every bovine pun in your dad joke repertoire? Or is it being gifted permission to wear what are effectively pyjamas in the daytime? After all, the official name of the event is Deja Moo – An Udderly Legenddairy Country Fair and the fluffy cow onesie is the event’s official attire. But believe it or not, it gets better yet.

Held on Saturday 8 July, the Deja Moo Country Fair encourages the entire family to immerse in the unique stories of Cowaramup, support local businesses, and let the kids roam free on school holidays in the beautiful surrounds of the small town with a big community vibe.

The place of the Cowara bird, Cowaramup recently exceeded Augusta as the second largest town in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, beaten only by Margaret River, 10km to the south. Cowaramup’s real namesake is the magnificent Purple Crowned Lorikeet, but its Cow-Town moniker has become iconic.

The 2,500 human residents happily co-exist with a herd of fibreglass cows and calves, lovingly painted to mimic the Friesian patterns of the real local dairy queens. The town’s eye-catching cattle are funded by individuals and businesses in Cowaramup, cared for in tribute to the region’s dairy industry.  Deja Moo celebrates their arrival annually.

Aside from the cows, mural artworks in Cowaramup pay tribute to the Cowara bird and other native wildlife. Storefronts are neat and sweet, and there’s a real sense of country living, including tennis, bowls and plenty of bike paths. Artisan providores and local vendors supply visitors with plenty of caffeine, seven options for coffee on the main street alone, chocolate, homewares, sweets, wine and beer, and fashion. Cowaramup’s recent growth and new residents are bringing a range of skills and services to the table.

Jill Turton, president of the Cowaramup Business Association, is part of the three-person committee organising the fair. She says, “It’s a strong community with a big mix of people. The older community who have lived here in many years witnessed kids having to move away to find work in the past. That’s changing now and young families can now stay in town, work and thrive.”

Deja Moo is now in its 11^th iteration, the first was called “Moo-ving in Day” of course. The July 8 event is low cost, fun, and commemorates the coming to town of the herd, celebrating all that Cowaramup has grown to become. Expect indoor and outdoor activities, including markets, a display by local firies, cow pat discus, vintage machinery, arts and crafts and specialised kids’ areas.

There’ll be laser tag, food vans and even some dancing if you are game to bust a moo-ve. This year’s theme is Cowronation, so top off your onesie with a jauntily placed crown and prepare to milk the day for a royally good time.

During your visit, be sure to look out for Free as a Cow, a bovine version of the old Laurance Winery Chick on a Stick. The gold cow on a stick was commissioned fifteen years ago as part of the worldwide cow parade event and has remained in Cowaramup attracting some clever nicknames ever since. Roast on a post, steak on a stake, rump on a stump, you get the picture. You can also drop in for a frothy at Cowaramup Brewing Company, send the kids to the skate park or chasing the Molly Moo cow hunt around town.

If you enjoy the winter fair, Jill encourages you to return for Christmas and Easter for their festive holiday celebrations. More than just a stop off on the way to Margaret River, Cowaramup has blossomed into a destination ready to enjoy in the comfort of your own cow onesie.