The State’s Sweet Tooth (and I still don’t get ‘square dancing’)
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It’s hard to forget all that talk at beginning of session surrounding a bill that was out to declare Aplets & Cotlets Washington’s official candy. (That didn't go so well). Lawmakers have tried before -- and failed before -- to adopt an official symbol that epitomizes Washington’s history of sweet-making and the people’s collective sweet tooth. Back in 2001, local-made treat Almond Roca was rejected as the state candy, too.
Someone just pointed out to me that Mars - you know the company that makes the really famous candy bar – has been missing from candy consideration and general candy conversation in the legislature. After all, what has become a national corporation flowing with bars of sugary goo started with Frank C. Mars and his wife Ethel making and selling buttercream candies from their home in Tacoma. (Eventually the Mars guy moved to bigger quarters out of state – but we can’t ignore the fact that they started the business right in our own backyard).
If ever declared, a state candy would add to more than a dozen other state-sanctioned symbols that define Washington – such as the apple, the Western Hemlock and the orca. (Of course there are others, like petrified wood and square dancing, that just make you go “hmm” ... )
The Office of Secretary of State is the only place where you can find all of the official state symbols on display in the same spot. They’re all in the lobby at our office in the Legislative Building, and you’re welcome to peruse and ponder how we wound up attached to these symbols. For more info on state symbols, click here.
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Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs
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