Question: Why Don’t We Embrace Out Tackiness

We were discussing the FOXNews.com story about Athol in the newsroom a few moments ago, particularly the fact that Athol Gear is getting publicity it couldn’t buy. Taryn Brodwater mentioned that Spirit Lake has a slogan to go along with its new teapot-motif water tower: Get potted in Spirit Lake. Then, the suggestion was made that North Idaho should embrace its tackiness and cash in, as Athol Gear founder Lynne MacKinzie has. It wasn’t hard to think of things that could be highlighted in a “Not Made For The Chamber of Commerce Or Hagadone Best of North Idaho Magazine”:

1. The VW bug that serves as a septic tank at the Pastime Bar in Athol.
2. Cruiser’s Butt Crack contest at Stateline.
3. Ruby Ridge.
4. The old whore houses at Wallace.
5. The Grail at Huetter.
6. Beyond Hope.
7. The peeing contest at the Lead Creek Derby
8. The Fighting Creek mayor’s election
9. “The Dufort Mall” in Bonner County
10. Stateline strippers

Any others?