At Chick-fil-A, there's nothing unlucky about 13.

In fact, a spokesman said, it could be your lucky day.

On Friday, July 13, customers who show up at the chicken chain, dressed from head to hoof in cow costumes, will be rewarded with a free meal, said spokesman Mark Baldwin.

Celebrating their eighth annual Cow Appreciation Day, Chick-fil-A restaurants will give the cattle-clad customers either a free breakfast, lunch or dinner, including an entrée of choice, a side item and a Diet Dr Pepper (or alternate beverage choice).

And if head-to-toe bovine isn't your look, there's still hope. Chick-fil-A will award a free entrée-but without the side and drink-to customers dressed in partial cow attire, such as a cow-spotted scarf, purse, hat or other accessory.

For those in need of costume ideas-as well as downloadable cow spots and masks-the restaurant has set up a website www.CowAppreciationDay.com.

Chick-fil-A is also hosting a corresponding photo contest, during which, the best-dressed guests can win various prizes.

Last year, 600,000 cow-costumed chicken eaters showed up at Chick-fil-A chains across the country, a spokesman said.

"After a record number of participants in 2011, we're excited to see the growth of the event-and the creativity of our customers-in 2012," said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's chief marketing officer. "If you're willing to dress up like a cow for a free meal, you're obviously a loyal, and even raving, Chick-fil-A fan."

There are two Chick-fil-A locations in York County. One is in the West Manchester Mall at 1800 Loucks Road in West Manchester Township, and the other is at 14665 Mount Airy Road in Shrewsbury.

A third location planned for Springettsbury Township is not expected to break ground until December, township officials said.

- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.