Welcome the 1st Ox of Orleans County

Through the efforts of Robert Batt, the executive director of the Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, a life size fiberglass oxen was purchased and painted by artist Stacey Kirby Steward featuring an agriculture theme during the 2024 4-H fair.

"Orly the Ox" was then introduced to the public at Medina's Parade of Lights in November and then Albion's Charles W. Howard Hometown Holiday parade in December. Orly was surrounded by a sea of pine boughs, hundreds of white lights and 200 candles (LED) celebrating the bicentennial. Accompanying Orly was a live action Orly greeting the audience along the parade route. 

"Painted" Orly is currently resting at the Hoag Library before he is brought out for the forthcoming celebrations! 

Here is some press that Orly received on the Orleans Hub:

• ‘Bicentennial Ox’ starred at Orleans County 4-H Fair

• Fair ox completed to promote Orleans County’s Bicentennial in 2025

• Ox mascot helps pump up pride for next year’s county bicentennial

• Artists, organizations urged to be part of Oxen in Orleans effort

• Orly the Bicentennial Ox taking temporary residence at Hoag Library