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6/13/11

Musings about Idaho and Snowcones

That's right, snowcones.  This was a decent weekend, and I think it's finally safe to say that it's warm-season in Idaho.  Maybe not quite summer, but warm enough to bask in the sunlight.

One thing I love about the summer season is the wide selection of sweets and treats to cool you down.  My favorite growing up was a sweet, sticky snow cone.  They were fun to make, but you would only see a snowcone stand once in a blue moon.

Well, in Idaho, snowcone stands are EVERYWHERE.  And I love it.  Sorry California, this is one advantage-point to Idaho.  (But don't worry, you're still winning the overall game by about 164 to 3.)

The stands are practically on every corner.  They are to Idaho Falls what a Starbucks is to, well, almost anywhere else.  On a warm Saturday afternoon, there is usually a good-sized crowd of people gathered around these fine establishments.

Stands vary in size, appearance, and variety.  There are stands with dozens of different varieties, and five sizes to choose from.  Others only offer 10 selections and two sizes.  Like snowflakes, no two stands are alike.  Which just adds to the charm.


What's amusing is the fact these stands are up year-round.  They're usually only open from May until September, but they're tempting and teasing you for all 12 months.  These small, rickety buildings look small enough to move (most are like 6x6 feet...) but there they are, permanent fixtures.

In my opinion, these things are widely popular for two reasons:

1 - There are no 7-Elevens in town, so Slurpees, Icees and the like are in short supply.  There are only one or two gas stations that offer these, and it may be because the snowies have the market cornered.

2 - I'm all about small businesses, and so is Idaho.  These are independent shops run by locals.  When you spend your money at a local shop instead of a mass-market, it always makes you smile a little.

I haven't had my first snowcone of the season yet, but it will happen soon.  I haven't had a snowcone in ages, and am looking forward to trying as many flavors as I can before the weather starts to cool again.  That, and the sticky blue fingers, of course.
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