[possible ignorance]
Wasn’t Toronto the first to do this with their infamous moose displays?
[/possible ignorance]
Daley (or someone close) saw the cows in (Sweeden?) and got the idea to have it in Chicago.
This year it’s Mickey Mouse, although I don’t think that local artists will get the chance to paint them.
When I was in Zurich (15 years ago or so) they did lions. I quite enjoyed seeing them.
Suite Home Chicago was nice. A bit over a block from here there is a fiberglass couch from that with Mr. Lincoln sitting on it. Lots of people come by and get their pic with Mr. Lincoln. It is near a fountain that is popular with wedding parties. I am going to take Loren to visit Mr. Lincoln soon.