Were you aware that Ohio has a state candy? Yes, it was enacted in Public Act No. 24-121, which also made the Siberian Husky the official state dog, in case you missed it. It should come as no surprise that the University of Connecticut mascot, Jonathan XV, voiced his opinions when the bill was considered by the legislature.

UConn’s Beloved Husky Mascot

For ninety years, the Huskies have served as the official mascot of the University of Connecticut. Jonathan XV assumed the role on March 3 and represents the university at various events, sporting events, and other locations. 

Debate on the State Insect

That day there was also discussion about renaming the state insect, which is currently the praying mantis according to law. Given that they are native to the state, the autumn meadowhawk dragonfly and the spring azure butterfly were suggested as possibilities. A working group was formed to investigate the insect problem, as is customary in Connecticut.

Celebrating the Lollipop Designation

But let's go back to the topic of celebration—the lollipops. By the way, the law specifies that the Husky and Lollipop designations won't go into effect until October 1, 2024, so the celebration is happening early.

A Special School Visit

According to this office, Gov. Ned Lamont was scheduled to visit Dwight Elementary School in Fairfield to meet with students in celebration of this unique new law. Students from the school lobbied lawmakers this year, "urging them to approve the legislation as part of a class assignment to learn about lawmaking," according to the governor's office.

The Origin of the Lollipop

Furthermore, the governor claims that George Smith created lollipops in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1908—a claim supported by a ton of news articles and, dare I say, a book. New Haven is a city of outstanding firsts; we know there are claims it was also the site of the invention of the hamburger. 

We say "claims" because there are other cities that assert they are the birthplace of the hamburger. Indeed, New Haven is also known as the pizza capital of the world—oops, we mean the US.

New Haven’s Culinary Fame

That is truly great news for New Haven, also referred to as Elm City. And keep in mind that when we talk about New Haven pizza. It is pronounced "ah-beetz" if you decide to try it there.

Grassroots Support for Lollipops

Although the highest levels of Congress, including New Haven's own U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro, D-3, has endorsed pizza, the general public's support for lollipops has been a little more grassroots.

Student Advocacy for State Candy

The History Behind the Lollipop

Griffin added that Smith registered the trademark for the lollipop name in 1931 and named the candy "after a racehorse of the time, Lolly Pop." Griffin added that Mrs. Robb, his third-grade teacher, attempted to turn PezTM into the official state candy about 14 years ago.

Sadly, it was killed in committee because, although lollipops aren't a brand, the state can't support a product. That's why I believe lollipops ought to be the official state candy. I hope that's what you think," Griffin wrote. (Pez is the name of the company and the candy; it is based in Orange.)

Persistence in Advocacy

"Most states have an official state food, dessert, or even a full meal," stated a sixth-grade student who has been fighting for the lollipops for years in his testimony.

A Unique State Candy

But at the time, she asserted that "no state has a state candy."Being one of the few states without any official state food, what better way to catch up with the rest of the world than with lollipops? Imagine tourists traveling to Connecticut to experience a little bit of our history and learn more about lollipops. Being named an official candy can lead to celebrations and festivals honoring the lollipop as a "delicious aspect of our heritage" and as a part of Connecticut's history.

A Long-Term Goal

She stated, "For the pas

t four years, my third-grade class and I have been working on making lollipops, the state candy of Connecticut."I think that this year is ours and that we can finally pull through. The student attested, "Remember to fill your days with laughter, love, and lollipops." (keep our dentists in the dark)

A Flavorful Future

After all this enjoyment, there is one more thing to mention about the new law. It does not specify the flavor of the candy; it just states, "The lollipop shall be the state candy." It seems that the rest of us will have to make that decision. We may also need to follow up with Mrs. Robb's class.

Disclaimer: This article is informative and not for promotional purposes. Moreover, the content belongs to the owner and there are no affiliations or marketing motives behind it.