We arrived on the scene in the parking lot of the Boise State Broncos Football Stadium Saturday, Dec. 17, greeted by a beautiful, sunny, brisk day. As we walked toward the East side of the Broncos Stadium in Boise, Idaho, we saw the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck in all its glory. Amazing how realistic the giant potato looked!
With a custom rig built by Kenworth and celebrity appearances by Miss Idaho Genevieve Nutting-who christened the new truck using a celebratory shattering of a bottle filled with confetti-and, of course, the world-famous Spuddy Buddy, the press event was a complete success.
Frank Muir, President and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission shared his thoughts on the day and the future of Idaho potatoes and the efforts of the IPC to broaden the reach and scope of the Idaho potato brand across the world. While recognizing the size of the industry and importance to the Idaho economy, he also emphasized the importance of potatoes to the world and to the health of children, a desire to see potatoes in every school lunch and the importance of continuing to push the IPC branding efforts worldwide.
One of the major emphasis points of the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck is the contributions and awareness of the Meals on Wheels program nationwide. While celebrating 75 years of the Idaho Potato Commission, the Meals on Wheels program will gain a lot of awareness through the nationwide tour, exposing the Idaho potato brand coast to coast, including a stop in the Big Apple-New York City.
Several news stations were on hand with photographers and video cameras reporting on the press event.
The game itself was one of the best bowl games ever, with a game-winning touchdown by the University of Ohio Bobcats to defeat the favored Utah State Aggies with less than 30 seconds left. What a day, what a game, what a celebration of the Idaho potato.