Cherry Thing-a-lings are Presidents' Day tradition at Batesville bakery
Tradition springs from Washington chopping down cherry tree
Presidents’ Day means business for an Indiana bakery that makes a unique treat.
Schmidt Bakery in Batesville makes ‘Thing-a-lings’ only to celebrate Presidents’ Day. The ‘Thing-a-lings’ came from the tradition of George Washington chopping down a cherry tree. The Thing-a-ling is made like a fritter, but with fresh cherries.
Images: Inside the Schmidt Bakery
“Last year we did 31,000! This year we're at 32,000 right now but we still have a few to sell,” owner Clem Schmidt said.
The Schmidts only sell their Thing-a-lings on Presidents’ Day and the weekend leading up to it.
“That's when I come for the Thing-a-lings. They're really good,” customer Joe Lieland said.
Schmidt Bakery opened in the 1960s and for 50 years it has been making Thing-a-lings. For the extra busy weekend, Schmidt relies on extended family to help make, sell and deliver the Thing-a-lings.
“I went to Texas, Arizona, Kentucky and the northern part of Ohio,” Alberta Schmidt said.
After Monday, Thing-a-lings go away until next Presidents’ Day.