One year ago my husband and I moved from Duluth to Iowa's eastern corridor region, made up of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. There are many things we miss about Duluth: the lake and Lakewalk, hiking trails, birch trees and annual snowfall. These are all natural qualities that make the Northland a wonderful place to live.
Last night, after sitting through Orchestra Iowa's and the Follies theatrical group's failed attempt at a holiday show, we realized how much we miss Duluth's arts and cultural scene, something we now recognize we took for granted while living up north. It was difficult to endure the two hours of cheesy storyline, off-pitch singing, over-the-top acting, and sorry excuse for dancing that made up the elementary-level holiday show. It left us pining for tickets to the Minnesota Ballet's "Nutcracker," the Duluth Symphony Orchestra's holiday show, or the Duluth Playhouse's rendition of "A Christmas Carol."
To all Northlanders who have gone to one or even all of these Duluth holiday traditions, I implore you to go again every year. Do not take for granted the outstanding artists and level of culture present in your beautiful city. Support the arts and help Duluth maintain its depth and breadth of culture. We made the mistake of assuming a larger community would have something bigger, something better. We have not only been left completely disappointed but out $34 and wanting our money back.
Molly Richards Smith
Coralville, Iowa
