Exploring Townsville

Historic Tradition Turns One Hundred

by Mitch Mitchell

 

The much-loved Townsville tradition of the Cow Hoisting Ceremony celebrates its hundredth birthday this year. This annual celebration is a unique cultural phenomenon here in Townville that us and our ancestors have observed for ten decades.

 

According to local historian, Stanley Liebowitz, this tradition was first established when our lovely island was briefly taken over by cow worshippers in the early twentieth century. These people demanded that all cows on the island be given the deference they deserved by being hoisted above all human heads.

 

This cult continued to rule over the island for ten years, until Buddy Boyle managed to form a large enough mob and drive them off the island with pitchforks and torches. When the following April came, Townspeople across Townsville decided to hold the ceremony in an ironic nod to their former cultic leaders.

 

Now, we continue this unusual tradition by lifting Townsville's cows onto telephone poles, marble pedestals, and water towers. What started off as a strange cult's way of worshipping their god has turned into an island-wide celebration with food, drinks, music, and dancing; a celebration that really speaks to the adaptability and strength of the Townspeople.