|
Armstrong proposes Aplets
and Cotlets as state's official candy
12th
District lawmaker says Cashmere-based candy promotes state's fruit
industry
The state budget deficit
may be a sour topic when lawmakers arrive in Olympia for the 2009
legislative session Jan. 12. So
Rep. Mike
Armstrong wants to begin the session on a sweet note. Armstrong,
R-Wenatchee, is proposing legislation that would make Aplets and Cotlets
the official candy of Washington.
The fruit and walnut
confection made from the juice of apples and apricots has been produced
by Liberty Orchards in Cashmere since 1920.
"The story of this little
candy company is truly the embodiment of the American dream. It began
with two young Armenian men who emigrated to the United States, became
friends, and purchased an apple farm in Cashmere, which they named
Liberty Orchards in honor of their new homeland," said Armstrong. "To
make use of their surplus fruit, they used an old recipe to make Rahat
Loucoum, a candy they enjoyed as children. After experimenting, the
candy was perfected into what we know as Aplets. It's still made in
Cashmere, providing local jobs and supporting the state's fruit
industry, and enjoyed by people worldwide."
Armstrong noted that
Washington has many different state symbols, including a state
vegetable, the Walla Walla sweet onion, and a state fruit, the apple.
However, it does not have an official state candy.
"Apples remain
Washington's number one crop, bringing in more than a billion dollars a
year. Aplets and Cotlets are identified with our state's fruit industry,
promoting it with this fruit candy which is sold throughout the world,"
added Armstrong. "Since the two go hand-in-hand, it makes sense that
Aplets and Cotlets would be perfect as the state's official candy."
Under House Bill 1024,
pre-filed by Armstrong for introduction to the Legislature on the first
day of session, Aplets and Cotlets would be designated as the state
candy. The measure has not yet been referred to a committee.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
|