Who Should Kiss the Cow in 2027? 🐄💋

We’re already looking ahead to the 2027 Lewis County Fair, and we need your help answering one very important question:

Who should kiss the cow next?

Know a local personality, community leader, business owner or all-around good sport who would be a great addition to the 2027 Cow Kissing for ALICE lineup? Send us your nomination and tell us who you have in mind!

Save the dates! The Lewis County Fair returns July 20–24, 2027. Stay tuned for the Cow Kissing date and candidate lineup.

A Little Fun. A Lot of Impact.

Cow Kissing for ALICE started in 2024 as a fun way to rally the community around our hardworking neighbors.

Each year, local community champions compete to raise funds for United Way’s ALICE initiative, supporting Lewis County households that are working but struggling to afford the basics. The top fundraiser earns the coveted Big Smooch at the Lewis County Fair.

Three years later, it has become one of our favorite Lewis County traditions.

What a Year!

In 2026, six terrific candidates stepped up: Mike Jackson, Lee Hinkelman, Tony “Long Toes” Levesque, Rachel Lisk, Tonya O’Brien and Tom Spaulding.

Together, they helped raise $11,779 for Lewis County ALICE families, with Mike Jackson earning the Big Smooch as the year’s top fundraiser.

Thank you to all six candidates and to everyone who donated, voted, volunteered and joined us at the Fair. You made the third annual Cow Kissing for ALICE one to remember!

Pictured above: Dawn and Clement hand out squeezy cows as a crowd gathers to watch Cow Kissing for ALICE at the Lewis County Fair.

Pictured above: 2026 Cow Kissing for ALICE champion Mike Jackson kisses Envy, a 1½-year-old Holstein owned by Sam VanBuren of Rossdale Farms.

Cow Kissing for ALICE has been a community effort from the very beginning.

We are especially grateful to Dan and Tonya of O’Brien Family Dairy, whose sponsorship, enthusiasm and hands-on involvement have helped bring this initiative to life since its launch in 2024. Their continued partnership has been an important part of making Cow Kissing a Lewis County tradition.

Our sincere thanks also go to our 2026 sponsors and partners: AmeriCU Credit Union, Countryside Veterinary Clinic, Tom Spaulding State Farm, LinkingLewisCounty.com and the Lewis County Fair, along with Rossdale Farms and Sam VanBuren for sharing Envy with us.

Community doesn’t just happen. It takes people who care.  And sometimes, people who are willing to kiss a cow. 🐄🧡