Editor’s Note
What? No toy boat?
People frequently talk about buying local. They talk about how
good it is to buy products made in Minnesota. In this issue, we pro-
vide you with a selection of products made right here in Southern
Minnesota.
In this issue, we visit Lark Toys in
Kellogg, Costa’s Candy in Owatonna,
Daisy Blue Naturals in Albert Lea and the
National Eagle Center in Wabasha. We
visit the Winter Walk in Northfield, and
we list a few other holiday festivals. On
top of all that, because we know you like
to read, we run down some great books
about Minnesota.
I know I am looking forward to taking
my 2-year-old son to Lark Toys for
Christmas shopping. His eyes are going to
pop with excitement like the children in
Tim Engstrom
the movie “Charlie & the Chocolate
Editor
Factory.” I am looking forward to see his
wonderment more than I am looking forward to the gifts them-
selves. I am also eager to see the wonderment on the faces of my
neices and nephews when I give them a toy from Lark Toys.
In fact, every year I get toys for kids at the regular big-box places
I become weary of and disappointed in the shopping experience.
All the toys seem to advertise some famous children’s cartoon
character, rather than just be fun by themselves. All the toys can be
purchased at almost all the other stores, or at least other places in
the chain. I have to save the receipt in case the child already got
the same toy from another relative. Twice that has happened to
me. Twice!
On a mid-summer occasion to toy aisles — the same toy aisles
you find everywhere — I sought a boat for the bathtub for my son.
Every boy needs a toy boat, right? Every big box ought to have
them. He and I went with anticipation and left disappointed that
there was no toy boats. Don’t kids take baths anymore?
So, you are right, I am looking forward to the gifts themselves at
Lark Toys, too. I will shop with confidence knowing that some
other store will not have the same item. And I imagine I can find
great handmade toys somewhat like the kind at my grandparents’
homes when I was a child.
And I will be glad knowing the toy was made in Southern
Minnesota.
OK, I am stepping off the soapbox now.
The trip to the National Eagle Center in Wabasha was something
else. It’s a great winter attraction, too. You are likely to spot eagles
migrating along the Mississippi River. Assistant Editor David
Richards, other visitors and I spotted several bald eagles from the
center. The experience was fascinating.
Inside the center, there are bald and golden eagles with which to
interact, and the place offers many instructional displays for various
age groups. There are items kids would like and items geared more
for grown-ups. We were very much impressed with the National
430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007
Eagle Center. If you enjoy wildlife and are patriotic, too, this is no
507-377-1616 or 507-377-0276
tourist trap. This is a true educational experience.
Toll Free 1-877-647-8666
Member NCUA
www.unitedecu.com
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