SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — As a post pinned to the top of it’s Twitter account says, rumors of the death of the 57th Street Cornstalk in Sioux Falls have been exaggerated– it’s just been on tour.
Amid all of the negatives in the world these days, people in Sioux Falls rallied around a cornstalk growing through the concrete at an intersection along 57th Street as a lighthearted beacon of hope. It even prompted someone to create the 57th Street Corn (@57thC) Twitter account. Social media hashtags are also being used. They include:
- #teamcorn
- #curbcorn
- #57thstreetcorn
- #SFstrong
- #SDstrong
Then, sometime overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, the stalk was pulled up and tossed along the side of the road, leaving many to think the fun was over and a “CORN RIP” memorial sign was put up at the site.
However, once word got out, a local corn-loving crew quickly arrived at the scene of the crime and began efforts to save it. Cornelia– as it’s being called– was placed in a temporary container filled with soil, fertilizer and water. According to its Twitter feed, Cornelia was taken “on tour” around Sioux Falls and had its photo taken. The current caregivers will find it a permanent home.
In the meantime, at least two groups have designed and are selling t-shirts honoring the cornstalk. One group will send funds to the Food Bank of Iowa to help people affected by the recent derecho that caused several million dollars in damages. Another group is giving the money they raise to the Stockyards Ag Experience in Sioux Falls. The facility tells the story of agriculture and showcases its impact on the region.
Cards and letters of encouragement for Cornelia can be sent to:
Cornelia and The 57th Street Corn Team
6300 S. Connie Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Food Bank of Iowa t-shirts: https://www.customink.com/
Stockyards Ag Experience t-shirts: https://www.bonfire.com/
(Jody Heemstra, DRG News, contributed this report.)
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