50 Years of Clo!

You “herd” it here first! Clo, our beloved mascot and iconic figure of our punny billboards,  turns 50 this year! Since making her debut in 1969, Clo has changed and matured from an awkward toothy caricature to the cow who won hearts and chuckles as the star of our Clover billboards throughout Sonoma County. She was the brainchild of our founder, Gene Benedetti, and Lee Levinger and Associates (advertising agency) who transformed the idea for a Clover mascot into the first iteration of Clo the Cow…and, the rest is history!

To celebrate this milestone decade, Clover curated an exhibit at the Petaluma Historical Museum which features all things Clo! The Clo-llection of items at the exhibit highlights her journey of becoming one of Sonoma County’s most beloved icons; from the first billboard she appeared on to the various appearances made in our community, her witty puns are everywhere and are sure to have you head over hooves in laughter! Alongside Clo’s exhibit is the work of well-known local photographer, Scott Hess. 

No exhibit is complete without an opening night soiree, so, on the night of April 5th we invited all of Clo’s friends and family to the museum to honor this monumental moment. On that night, our very own CEO Marcus Benedetti and his dad, former CEO Dan Benedetti, were on hand to share in the excitement, along with distinguished members of the Sonoma County community who turned out to wish Clo well. Additionally, Clo’s current illustrator and master of puns, Anne Vernon, was there to relish in her work and celebrate with colleagues…It was a festive evening to remember!

Anne Vernon, artist and illustrator of Clo the Cow

So, be sure to grab the family and hoof it on down to the museum to see the incredible vintage Clo-llection on display through June 9th!

In addition, Clo was named Grand Marshal this year for the 2019 Petaluma Butter & Egg Dayscelebration! This year’s parade theme, “It’s Always Punny in Petaluma,” pays homage to Clo by encouraging participants to dust off their creativity and bring their best puns to the festivities. She will follow in the hoof prints of our founder, Gene Benedetti, who served as the parade’s Grand Marshall in 1986.

Visit our website for a list of more special appearances by Clo, and some exciting moo’s coming in June!