Does anybody know the history behind the Homegrown Chicken as a mascot?

Cord Dada, the graphics designer for the early years came up with the chicken idea. We initially planned to add a new farm animal every year but the chicken just stuck.

Can we go back to the idea of changing to different farm animals every year?  Tell you what, I have the only laminated ticket from 2007 Homegrown I refused to give up, has a fucking chicken on it. I'll admit, I fought the law here, and I won. I'll start the bidding at three dollars.

Here's the chicken in all its glory at the Duluth Art Institute last night. (Click the pic to see it bigger.)

I always thought it was Fat(her) Hen(nepin) related.  I know nothing!

The Homegrown exhibit at the DAI is fabulous and interesting, I recommend everyone check it out.