Us

Us

10.15.2008

Spud Fest 2008

I realize some of you may believe that I have exaggerated the role of potatoes in our Idaho Lifestyle. But now that I have made you aware of the real life Spud Fest that takes place each September in Shelley, Idaho, you can better understand the pervasive effects of those marvelous tubers in our day to day lives.



It all begins with a rousing parade in the true style of Idaho... lots of tractors and pick-ups; two marching bands: the High School and the Junior High... and a team of cloggers from the big city (Idaho Falls) ranging from age 5 to 13. This year it rained. Last year people got sunburned. The year before that, it snowed. But does that stop the patriotic citizens of Idaho from wearing their spuds on their sleeves? No, sir, it does not.


Following the parade there are a variety of Potato-related activities, the most exciting of which was the free baked-potatoes booth. Paul and I got two each. :) We unfortunately left before the Tug-of-War competition began, complete with a massive pile of mashed potatoes for the losers to be tugged in to. There is also a potato picking contest, along with a talent show. And whoever said there's nothing to do in Idaho!? :)


Well, another Spud Day has come and gone. Although our lives have taken on a hollow quality about them, due to lack of potato celebration, we can always cling to the memories we made as we honored that sacred crop.

3 comments:

Jess and Richard said...

Wow...that is pretty much amazing! And I can't believe that I missed the free potato bar! Dang it! That would have been like heaven! :)

Archiemc said...

FYI, somewhere, I assume in my parents possession, is a picture of me when I was 3-4 years old in the potato fields with my mother. Also my father helped build some of the first automatic potato pickers. so whats the point? got me.

Susan said...

I'm liking the brown jacket with the fur... where'd you get it? I might want one.