Orly the Bicentennial Ox continues adventures in Orleans

Photos by Marsha Rivers

Orly the Ox, the Orleans County bicentennial mascot, tries a maneuver on a sculpture by the Erie Canal in Medina.

These 23 precast concrete modules were dedicated on Nov. 17, 2023 at the Lions Park just east of the lift bridge on Route 63.

UB architecture students created the memorial to honor Sydney Gross, who is remembered for a vibrant personality. Gross was a student in the program who left a strong impression on her professors and the other students. She was a very social person who was friends with everyone. She was killed in a car accident in July 2009.

Orly the Ox is highlighting people, places and things in Orleans County in 2025 as part of the county’s bicentennial celebration. Orly encourages others to explore the sculpture. It can be a place to reflect, meet with friends and also try some daring climbing maneuvers.

(Left) Orly took a bite out of an apple while standing by The Big Apple in Medina. This 11-foot-high sculpture was created by artist Richard Bannister of Barre in 2000. It stands next to the Glenwood Avenue bridge. Bannister created the giant apple as a tribute to Western New York fruit growers. Orleans County is one of the top apple-growing counties in the state.

(Right – Photo by Isabella Zasa) Orly visited the Shoe Tree on Foss Road in Lyndonville, an attraction covered in hundreds of shoes. Local legend says that tying your shoelaces together, making a wish, and successfully tossing them onto a branch will make your wish come true.

Over the years, the Shoe Tree has gained widespread recognition, appearing on multiple websites and in the 2008 book “New York Curiosities.”

Orly has some ambitious fitness goals for 2025. He stopped by the YMCA in Medina and cooled down in the Silver Sneakers class with some stretches and movements. He also worked out on several exercise machines, including the stair climber and a rowing machine. He then lifted some dumbbells and a kettlebell.

Orly tried billiards and some of the other games at Dubby’s Tailgate in Albion, even making a behind-the-back shot playing pool.

Orly is on TikTok, and his adventures can be followed on the Orleans County Tourism’s Facebook and Instagram pages.