Andy McAlister
In an impromptu press conference late Wednesday night, Mayor Mark Kruzan settled a deep-rooted desire many Bloomington residents have petitioned years for.
“I have spoken with the city council and Governor Daniels,” said Kruzan. “I can no longer ignore the countless voices crying out in need at this historic moment in time. That is why, effective immediately, Walnut Street will officially be known as Peanut Street.”
Kruzan spoke from the courthouse steps around 11:30 at night, amidst a gathering crowd estimated at as many as 35,000 Monroe County residents, the largest public gathering in Bloomington since the infamous race riots of 1968, which involved at least 120 people. Chants of “We want Peanuts!” sprouted occasionally.
“It was totally awesome to be surrounded by so many other peanut-lovers. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Kara Cline, 32, who came to the courthouse with a large group of friends.
Mayor Kruzan was vague about the details surrounding his final decision to make the change, but remarked, “I have been skeptical, without question. That being said, it has become overwhelmingly clear to me that Bloomington is 100% Peanut-Crazy!” Popping a honey-roasted nut in his mouth he added, “Yummy!”
The mood couldn’t have been clearer among the thousands of delighted peanut-fans in the crowd, many of whom filtered into the bars in the downtown area once the conference disbanded. The Bluebird nightclub, along the former Walnut Avenue, was selling half-price peanut-themed cocktails, such as “The Jimmy Carter,” a shooter of Southern Comfort, peanut-butter vodka, and bitters. “I had one and it was gross but I don’t care because I love peanuts!” said one excited patron.
Bloomington’s affection for peanuts has been well-known in some circles for years, but only recently has the trend reached such a large group of devoted fans. IU Sociology Professor Fred Aszcratch, who researches food-related phenomena, thinks the explanation is a simple one. “Peanuts are delicious, you have to understand,” he said, eating from a
crunchy peanut-butter jar with his fingers.
“Walnuts just can’t compete–they’re too old-fashioned! Bloomington is a young city, and it’s only getting younger! Why, did you know that by 2040, the average citizen will be between the ages of 17 and 22?” Aszcratch thinks the decline in age, as well as the mere existence of tasty snacks like Reese’s Pieces are contributing to what some have labeled “Peanut Fever.”
“Peanuts are portable, fun, and not unhealthy,” said Patricia Price-Patterson of the Monroe County Peanut Lovers Association, which got its start in June of 2006. The MCPLA holds peanut-themed events around Bloomington, such as peanut-butter tastings, brownie cook-offs, and the popular children’s peanut hunt on Easter Sunday.
“It’s a lot of fun, what with the kids and the peanuts and everything,” said Price-Patterson, standing in front of a new “Peanut Street” sign. “But then again: we’re talking peanuts! What could it be but fun?”
Not fun for everyone, argues Ann Burle, co-president of the Worried Mothers Coalition, chiefly for those with peanut allergies. “Many, or maybe even most children could have peanut allergies, and that’s serious business! As a mother of two little anti-peanut angels, I cannot even begin to imagine what Mayor Kruzan was thinking.” Other fears about peanuts, which are listed on the group’s website, include choking, insufflation, misunderstandings, and fat content.
“I find it very unsettling, all this ‘we-love-peanut’ business,” said Burle, worrying a rag between her hands. Burle and a group of other concerned mothers picketed at the press-conference, despite considerable public backlash.
“They were brutal! We just think everyone should be a little more careful.” Burle added, “Thank god I didn’t bring Marilyn or Devin. The place was crawling with peanut-butter samples, roasted peanut vendors and peanut-related mania of the worst variety!”
City-Council Member Leslie Warwick noted that while the change in name of Walnut Street will have little effect on local business or the general health of the town, it is “something to do.”
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