Viral “Corn Kid” Becomes South Dakota’s Official “Corn-bassador”
The internet’s most popular corn fanatic received a special honor over the weekend. Adorable 7-year-old Tariq (aka “Corn Kid”) was declared South Dakota’s “Official Corn-bassador” by Gov. Kristi Noem in a proclamation on Sept. 3.
Tariq’s fame began with a viral clip filmed for Recess Therapy in which he declares his love for corn in an interview and wishes viewers a “corntastic” day. He quickly became a social media sensation, and the clip even sparked a hit song produced by TikTok user @schmoyoho.
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The governor’s official proclamation declares Tariq an “outstanding young man” whose “a-maize-ing endorsement” and “corn-centrated excitement” would allow him to experience the World’s Only Corn Palace, a corn-themed attraction in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Tariq and his parents traveled all the way from New York to visit the Corn Palace and attend a ceremonial press conference held by the South Dakota Department of Tourism in Tariq’s honor. During the event, Tariq received his official “Corn-bassador” title and Bob Everson, the mayor of Mitchell, proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, as “Tariq Corn Kid Day” for the city. Tariq also received a trophy and a statue of Cornelius, the Corn Palace mascot during the press conference.
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The Corn Kid came to South Dakota’s very own @Corn_Palace!!!
Welcome to South Dakota Tariq, our official Corn-bassador! Eat lots of corn pic.twitter.com/AlCs11NHJi
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) September 3, 2022
During his tour of the Corn Palace, Tariq said that visiting a palace made of corn was a “dream come true!” He also had the opportunity to meet Cornelius the mascot, learn more about South Dakota and corn production, and enjoy fresh corn on the cob (with butter, of course).
In an interview with Dakota News Now, Tariq’s mother, Jessica, said she was excited for Tariq to learn more about corn so he could be more appreciative of the farmers and where it comes from. His father, Jawshawn also spoke of how excited Tariq was to see the cornfields on his way to Mitchell.
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“We just really wanted to celebrate Tariq and his family and his love of corn, and there’s really no better place to do it than The World’s Only Corn Palace,” says South Dakota Tourism Public Relations Director Katlyn Svendsen, according to Farm Forum. “We take our hospitality seriously in South Dakota. It really just kind of gives you that warm, good feeling, so we’re just blessed that they agreed to come to South Dakota and do this with us. We couldn’t be happier that they’re here.”
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