SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of got milk?, in conjunction with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, represented by Interim Deputy Superintendent Keric Ashley, and actor Jaleel White, announced today that the got milk? CowParade is coming to California in September 2015. CowParade is the largest and most successful public art event in the world, having been staged in 80 cities worldwide. The event will feature life-size fiberglass cow art exhibits in select cities throughout the Golden State, promoting art, education and celebrating the California dairy industry. No other state has hosted a public art event of this magnitude.

“The got milk? CowParade is a fun, entertaining and whimsical art exhibit that highlights education and California’s thriving dairy industry,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “At the same time it generates funds for educational groups that do important work for our students.”

As part of the got milk? CowParade public art exhibition, got milk? is partnering with educational nonprofits including THINK Together and STAR Education among others. At the end of the exhibit period, the art pieces will be auctioned and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the organizations.

“We’re proud to present the opportunity for California cities and companies to join the celebration and participate in this historic art exhibition,” said Steve James, Executive Director, California Milk Processor Board. “We’re going to promote education, art, and our important dairy industry – through this fun and creative installation that will be uniquely California.”

The got milk? CowParade will connect with adults and children through one-of-a kind art exhibits placed throughout California communities with the goal being to have large art installations in Sacramento, San Francisco/San Jose, Fresno, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Diego. National and internationally renowned artists and local talent as well as celebrity supporters will be invited to participate in the exhibitions. For participation and/or submission info, visit www.gotmilkcowparade.com.

“As a father I place a high value on education, which is a key objective of the got milk? CowParade,” said actor Jaleel White from popular sitcom Family Matters, Dancing with the Stars and Total Blackout. “I’m happy to be a part of this program and help bring this important message to families.”

CowParade is an art installation consisting of variously designed and painted full-sized cows hosted by sponsors for a duration of 2-4 months. CowParade has been staging art exhibits worldwide since 1999. Past cities include Chicago (1999), New York City (2000), London (2002), Tokyo (2003), Dublin (2003), Stockholm (2004), Mexico City (2005), Sao Paulo (2005), Buenos Aires (2006), Boston (2006) Paris (2006), Milan (2007), Istanbul (2007), Taipei (2009), Rio de Janeiro (2011), Hong Kong (2013), and Shanghai (2014).  The cow sculptures, mounted on a 300 pound cement display base, are made of fiberglass with steel rebar reinforcement. The sculptures come in three basic positions – standing (head up), grazing (head down), reclining. The Standing Cow is 95″ long x 29″ wide x 57″ high, the Grazing Cow is 84″ long x 29″ wide x 48″ high, and the Reclining Cow is 88″ long x 44″ wide x 42″ high. For more information on CowParade visit www.cowparade.com.

For more information on the got milk? CowParade visit: www.gotmilkcowparade.com or follow got milk? via social media on Facebook @gotmilk, Twitter @gotmilk and Instagram @officialgotmilk. Join the conversation via #gotmilkcowparade.

About the CMPB

The California Milk Processor Board was established in 1993 to make milk more competitive and increase milk consumption in California. Awareness of got milk? is over 90% nationally and it is considered one of the most important and successful campaigns in history. Got milk? is a federally registered trademark that has been licensed by the national dairy boards since 1995. The CMPB’s Spanish-language campaign began in 1994 using the tagline “Familia, Amor y Leche” (Family, Love and Milk). The TOMA LECHE (Drink Milk) campaign replaced it in 2006, in order to better align the English and Spanish language work. The CMPB is funded by all California milk processors and administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141217/164849

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141217/164850