In celebration of Cow Appreciation Day, an unofficial holiday, for Friday at Chick-fil-A on Main Street, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire.

Chick-fil-A will be giving a free combo meal to any customer who comes in.

Additionally, the first 10 people to visit the restaurant dressed as a cow will receive a gift bag with merchandise worth nearly $100.

The restaurant will also host several other events throughout the day such as, face painting, new menu items, and prize drawings.

"For years now, our customers have questioned why Chick-fil-A doesn't celebrate Cow Appre-ciation Day," comments Nicki Digby, operator of the Chick-fil-A on Main Street.

"Our Cow campaign has attracted an incredible following among our customers, and this promotion is a fun way to respond to their wishes and celebrate the Cows' holiday!"

In 2004, a number of Chick-fil-A restaurants experienced success with local Cow Appreciation Day activities. Restaurants welcomed dozens of customers dressed in cow-centric costumes and bringing boards with homemade, personalized renditions of Chick-fil-A's popular "Eat Mor Chikin" slogan.

This year's expansion of Cow Appreciation Day is the centerpiece of Chick-fil-A's 10th anniversary of the "Eat Mor Chikin" campaign.

The "Eat Mor Chikin" Cows are the focal point of Chick-fil-A's in-store point-of-purchase materials, promotions, radio and TV advertising, and clothing and merchandise sales of more than $42 million since July 1996.

The excitement around participation in Cow Appreciation Day serves as proof that more customers than ever are heeding the Cows' advice.

Since the Cow campaign debuted in 1995, Chick-fil-A sales have more than tripled, from just over $500 million in 1995 to $1.74 billion last year.

andrew.giermak@suffolknewsherald.com