Why do you have a mural with cows on your Upper Arlington store? And, why is that kaleidoscope of color adorning your Workplace FIT mobile store (Bertha the van) with visions of cows running through the streets of Columbus?

Indulge us, if you will, for the telling of the story of Bertha.

Bertha | An origin story

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Columbus, Ohio, there lived a cow named Bertha. Bertha was not just any ordinary cow, she was the beloved mascot of Cowtown Columbus. Bertha was adored by all the residents of Cowtown, who would come from far and wide to see her grazing in the fields or watch her perform in the annual Cowtown parade.

But despite her popularity, Bertha was not happy. She desired to change in her life. She longed for something more than just being a mascot. She yearned to break free from the confines of her fenced-in pasture and explore the world beyond Cowtown. She wanted to run free, feel the wind in her hair, and discover new adventures.

One day, as Bertha was grazing in the field, she overheard a group of children talking about a big race that was taking place in the city. The race was open to all animals, and the winner would receive a prize that would change their life forever. Bertha's heart raced with excitement. This was her chance to break free from her mundane life and prove that she was more than just a mascot.

Determined to seize the opportunity, Bertha made a bold decision. She would enter the race and give it her all. She began training rigorously, running laps around the pasture and building up her strength and endurance. The other animals in Cowtown were skeptical of Bertha's chances, but she paid them no mind. She was focused on her goal and nothing was going to stand in her way.

The day of the race arrived, and the streets of Columbus were packed with spectators eager to see which animal would emerge victorious. Bertha stood at the starting line, her heart pounding with anticipation. The starting gun fired, and she took off like a bolt of lightning. Her hooves pounded against the pavement as she raced through the streets, leaving a trail of dust in her wake.

As the race progressed, Bertha found herself neck and neck with a sleek and speedy stallion from a neighboring farm. The crowd gasped in amazement as the two animals raced towards the finish line, their determination evident in every stride. In the final stretch, Bertha summoned all her strength and surged ahead, crossing the finish line just ahead of the stallion.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Bertha was declared the winner of the race. She had done it. She had proven that she could do anything she set her mind to. As she stood on the winner's podium, a shiny gold medal around her neck, Bertha felt a sense of pride and accomplishment like never before.

But the prize that awaited her was even more incredible than she could have imagined. Throughout the course of her training Bertha discovered that running changed everything. She grew more confident. She discovered that she was tougher and stronger than she ever imagined. Her newfound courage replaced her complacency.

Upon returning to her pasture, tears of joy filled Bertha's eyes as she learned that she was never was locked away in her pasture as she had believed. She simply needed to be willing to step through the open gate. With her newly discovered bravery, she took a deep breath and stepped out into the wide open world, her heart soaring with excitement. The possibilities were endless, and Bertha knew that her life would never be the same.

From that day on, Bertha roamed the countryside, running through meadows and forests, basking in the beauty of the world around her. She met new friends, discovered new adventures, and embraced her newfound freedom with open arms. No longer confined to the role of a mascot, Bertha was finally living life on her own terms.

And so, the story of Bertha the cow, the mascot of Cowtown Columbus who began running to change her life, became a legend in the city. Her courage and determination inspired all who knew her, reminding them that no dream is too big and no obstacle is too great to overcome. Bertha had shown that with a little determination and a lot of heart, anything is possible. And as she galloped into the sunset, her spirit soaring free, Bertha knew that her journey was just beginning.

Did you know…

Columbus, Ohio earned the nickname "Cowtown" due to its rich history in the livestock and agricultural industry. In the early 19th century, Columbus was a booming hub for cattle ranching and farming, with many farmers and ranchers settling in the area to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant grazing opportunities.

The city's strategic location along major transportation routes, including the National Road and the Ohio and Erie Canal, made it a prime location for farmers to bring their livestock to market. As a result, Columbus quickly became a major center for cattle trading and processing, with numerous slaughterhouses, meatpacking plants, and livestock markets springing up throughout the city.

The influx of cattle and other livestock led to the city earning the nickname "Cowtown" among locals and visitors alike. The nickname stuck over the years, even as Columbus evolved into a modern city with a diverse economy and thriving business community.

Today, while Columbus is no longer solely reliant on the livestock industry, the nickname "Cowtown" serves as a reminder of the city's agricultural roots and its important role in shaping the history and economy of Ohio.