South Dakota Blogosphere dean Doug Wiken offers to pick up where the Governor's Office of Economic Development is leaving off. As GOED announces the termination of the "Made in South Dakota" program, Wiken proposes a new website, "South Dakota Good," to promote quality South Dakota goods.
Heck of an idea! My first nomination for South Dakota Good: Calla Candy!
Vicki Rothstein has been making and selling candy from her Mobridge kitchen since 1991. Some true South Dakota friends sent us these two jars of rich Cherry and Blueberry Pastels, a box of English Toffee (which I think someone else in the house may have hidden and eaten!), and some spice rub. The Calla goodies are among the best treats I've ever had (tied with Russian pryaniki). If I wanted to distract guests from South Dakota weather, politics, and low wages, I'd serve them Calla candies. Three out of five Calla nibblers would immigrate to South Dakota within a month. Yum!
Dear Corey--not for publication, but just wanted you to know that I already wrote to Vicki at Calla candies, as we will be in Mobridge over the Christmas holiday and hope to find some on sale in Mobridge while they are gone to New York City. I faithfully read your blog everyday and immediately emailed Calla because I knew nothing about them. South Dakota Good is a GOOD idea!!
Melanie,
Try Homespun,Dady Drug, or the coffee shop beside Dady Drug when Mobridge. I think those places would have it.
I am from Mobridge, couldn't be prouder, all for the Tigers, stand up and Holler! Mobridge is a great town to raise a family and is quite progressive and innovative. It is a beautiful town 100 miles West of Aberdeen that is located next to the Missouri River. I had a wonderful childhood, where the people had community spirit and showed great support for it's schools, Senior Citizens, and Business community. I would highly recommend Mobridge as a place to start a business or for a tourism destination! Brought to you by Tara Batcheller, Class of 1978.....Go Tigers!
OK, Cory, I put in a first real post at South Dakota Good. As you may have guessed, one of your other posts here was where I stumbled onto the idea of "South Dakota Good". I woke up the next morning thinking it might be the basis for a blog or website. Any other ideas of "South Dakota Good" are welcome.
We could start with the easy lists, Douglas. How about skimming the Made in SD list before the state sends it the way of the SDRC website? Then check Dakota Flavor, the SD Ag. Dept's effort along those lines. Readers, any specific products Doug should spotlight?
A card dealer in Spearfish used to give a can of Calla Toffee to new car purchasers. The legend is that people would buy cars just to get the candy.