When people think of Idaho, they think of potatoes. Although any Idahoan will hastily argue there’s so much more to the Gem State than a vegetable, we also can’t help but be full of potato pride…and it shows. Not only are we home to a potato hotel, a New Year’s Eve potato drop, and iconic potato dishes, we’re also home to the world’s largest traveling potato. What exactly is a traveling potato, you ask? It’s a treasured Idaho tradition that is as awesome as it is quirky.
We've got big love for potatoes here in Idaho, and there are a handful of people who have made it their mission to spread that love across the country. The Big Idaho Potato Truck makes an epic cross-country journey every year to educate people about our state's tasty taters.
What began in 2012 as a quick, one-year campaign to celebrate the Idaho Potato Commission's 75th anniversary has evolved into an honored state tradition that we just can't live without. The Big Idaho Potato Truck started its ninth nationwide adventure earlier this year in order to promote the certified heart-healthy Idaho Potato and raise money for charities.
Unfortunately, the potato that roams around on the back of the semi-truck isn't real, but it's pretty convincing. The massive potato weighs a whopping four tons and is 802 times heavier than the largest potato ever grown (11 pounds, if you were wondering.) Fun fact: a potato this size would take over 7,000 years to grow!
Seeing the giant potato in person has turned into quite the attraction around the country. They most recently visited the Strawberry Festival in Floral City, Florida, proving that there's no destination too far for the Big Idaho Potato.
Although it's exciting to see the Big Idaho Potato make an appearance across the country, the truck also values visiting the hardworking folks here in Idaho who make our potato industry possible. Last year, the truck visited places like Russ Frisby Farms, Legacy Farms, Brett Jensen Farm, and Wilcox Farms to get the full hands-on potato farming experience.
The Idaho Potato Commission also wanted to make sure the truck would have a positive impact on the communities it visits. Every year during its tour, the truck identifies a charity in the community and offers a "Big Helping" based on their specific needs. Some charities that have benefitted from a big helping include Goodwill and West Ada Education Foundation, but there are many more.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck is as Idaho as it gets—quirks and all. Learn more about this spud-tactic movement and the Tater Team at the official website here. We're excited to see where the traveling potato goes next!
