If you’ve been inside the Visit Lebanon Valley office recently, you’ve probably been introduced to Lebanon Lilly, our life-size cow. This cow may not actually “moo”, but she’s become a symbol of Lebanon County and a spectacle for all to see.
Where Did Lilly Come From?
Back in April 2019, Visit Lebanon Valley President, Jennifer Kuzo saw a life-size cow statue for sale. Despite how crazy it may have seemed, she thought it would make a great addition to the Visitors Center office. With the help of local kids, Lebanon Lilly, named after Lebanon’s famed Lilly Coleman, got her name.
After a few touch-ups from a local artist, MJ McFalls, the statue began to look like a real-life Holstein. Shortly after seeing the positive response from the community regarding Lilly, an idea was born… in order to tell Lebanon Lilly’s story and showcase all that the county has to offer, Visit Lebanon Valley decided to create a children’s book!
“The Adventures of Lebanon Lilly”
Released in 2020, the first of the Lebanon Lilly books, “The Adventures of Lebanon Lilly,” is a 20-page book written by Jennifer Kuzo and illustrated by MJ McFalls. In the book, Lilly journeys through Lebanon County, making several pit stops at recognizable sites such as the Cornwall Iron Furnace, Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, Lebanon Farmers Market, and more. The book also highlights Lebanon Valley favorites like Lebanon Bologna and Opera Fudge!
Author Jennifer Kuzo loves getting to share more about Lebanon County through the book, “We are proud of our agricultural roots here in the Lebanon Valley; it’s our number one industry and defines our landscape, our work ethic, and our culture. The Lebanon Lilly book is our simple way to pass on our values and pride for the Lebanon Valley from one generation to the next.”
Lebanon Lilly is on the Moo-ove
While Lilly spends most of her time at the Visit Lebanon Valley Welcome Center greeting visitors, she’s been known to make appearances at family friendly events across Lebanon County. So next time you see the Visit Lebanon Valley team out and about at an event, keep an eye out for Lilly, she may just be on the moo-ove!
“More Adventures with Lebanon Lilly and Friends”
Five years after the release of the first Lebanon Lilly book, Jennifer Kuzo felt like it may be time for another adventure. The result? “More Adventures with Lebanon Lilly and Friends.” Written by Kuzo and illustrated by David Scheirer, the second Lebanon Lilly book follows our Holstein narrator and her farm animal friends as they discover exciting events and activities in Lebanon County. From exploring the snow goose migration at Middle Creek to hiking the Bear Hole Trail at Swatara State Park, adventures are aplenty in Lilly’s sequel book!
Where Can I Get the Lebanon Lilly Books?
You can purchase your own copy of “The Adventures of Lebanon Lilly” or “More Adventures with Lebanon Lilly and Friends” at:
- The Visit Lebanon Valley Welcome Center
- Annville Free Library
- Lebanon Community Library
- Matthews Public Library
- Myerstown Community Library
- Palmyra Public Library
- Richland Community Library
Books are $10 each (cash only) and proceeds support the Lebanon County Public Library Systems.