Photo shoot locations for an ox?

I haven't made up my mind for sure what to do about the 2009 ACME Calendar but I have decided I ought to be building up a collection of Orvan photos that could be used for a Calendar.

These would have to be public places, unless an arrangement with the property owner(s) could be had for access to non-public locations. I figure places like public parks and historical markers or such are probably about the best. But a scenic roadway or just a good spot downtown could work too. Note that places like malls are private and would need to be negotiated, and there is apt to be concern about wear a "mask" since my face will not be visible.

The ideal locations would be in southern Minnesota (including the Twin Cities), the Sioux Falls area, northern or central Wisconsin and perhaps Des Moines. This is just "places I can drive to" and am likely to either have someone with me or can find someone there to take the pictures and help with local navigation.

This is the season for Winter scenes (though I'd rather not have Orvan's feet in the snow - I want to keep him dry) but I can go places in other seasons as well.

It's far better to have too many suggestions and extra photos than to be wondering how to fill gaps. So, suggest away!

Headless Issue or Stage Issue

Shortly after Midwest FurFest there were a few postings about how many folks were seen around "headless" rather than in full fursuit. This triggered a few arguments and there seem to be two camps: "It's just a costume, big deal." and "Don't spoil the magic." Each has their points. But it occurs to me that while the visible part is the "headlessness" that it's not the root of issue. The real issue might be a disagreement about what is the stage and what is backstage, or if there is a stage at all.

( All the World's a Stage )