And if the cows weren’t jumping over the moon, CowParade organisers, the Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (AMTRA), certainly were.

With stampede on tickets for the CowParade charity auction, a sell out crowd of about 650 packed the venue to farewell the herd of life-sized fibreglass cows which have been on show in the region for the past four months.

First cow off the ranks was Maureen Elphick’s ‘Wow Cow’ - setting the benchmark at $3800, but it was Wendy Bink’s ‘We didn’t do it’, which really excited the 158 registered bidders finally going for $18,000.

Featuring Bink’s trademark Stunned Emu designs, the cow was sponsored by and displayed in Busselton Central shopping precinct and has attracted much attention during the exhibition. However, it seems her days in the South West are over, as word on the bo-vine has it she has taken up residence in Serpentine.

Binks, a caving enthusiast, was delighted part of the proceeds from the artwork will be used to preserve and protect local caves.

While the public art exhibition, touted as the largest in the world, has had its detractors, Binks said participating had been a fantastic experience.

“I have been completely overwhelmed with the response, both as an artist and a gallery owner,” she said.

“My gallery in Fremantle has only been open six months, and numerous people came through either because of the CowParade, or they recognised my cow as part of the exhibition.”

Jason Taylor visited all 85 cows during the exhibition, and is now the proud owner of Brahman the Barman, after parting with $10,500. Jenny Sanderson’s moo-ing artwork has aptly been on show at sponsor Margaret River Hotel’s bar for the duration of the CowParade.

“Brahman the Barman is just awesome, definitely the pick of the bunch,” Jason said, adding the cow will have pride of place in his home bar.