Today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A

CONROE, Texas -- For one day only, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire at Chick-fil-A.

In celebration of July 13, Cow Appreciation Day (an unofficial yet nationally-recognized holiday), Chick-fil-A will give a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who shows up fully dressed as a cow.

Fully dressed like a cow means effort to be dressed like a cow from head to toe. "Partial cow attire" means just a cow accessory, such as a cow-printed hat, vest or purse. People dressed in partial attire will be awarded an entrée as opposed to a full combo meal.

Children dressed like a cow can choose a child's menu item if they choose.

Diners can buy a cow costume at a local costume retailer or have some fun with this summer project by making one at home.

Here are some ideas:

1. Start with items that you already have at home - cow-printed accessories stashed in your closet will work perfectly. Hats, vests, scarves, neckties, pants, shoes, pajamas - just abut any cow-spotted item will work. Just make sure you're covered head to toe.

Wear white, and then just add spots. Throw on a white T-shirt with white pants (even sweatpants) and stick on your spots using black contact paper. If contact paper is not easily accessible, you can cut spots out of construction paper and tape them to your shirt and pants. If nothing else, you can grab an old white T-shirt and color black spots all over it with a magic marker - and you'll still get a free entrée.

Go to your local paint or hardware store and get a white painter's hat and overalls. And then decorate yourself with spots made out of contact or construction paper.

Not feeling too creative and want an easy costume? Search the Internet for "cow costumes" and you will be flooded with full-body costumes available for purchase. (And hey, you'll be set for Halloween, too).

All you need to do is get dressed up and stop by your local Chick-fil-A to enjoy Cow Appreciation Day!