Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck is rolling across America once again! Last year the Truck became a national sensation and we received thousands of calls and emails from folks across the country asking when and where they could see it.
The Truck officially set off on its seven-month, cross-country journey from Emmett, Idaho, with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. "Butch" Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho, residents. Its first major appearance was at the SuperValu Eastern Region Annual Produce and Floral Expo in Monroeville, Pa. After visits to the Big Apple and the USDA in Washington, D.C., the Truck will spend a few days at the College Baseball World Series, participate in the Kentucky Derby Parade, stop by the National Football Hall of Fame the day before the annual Hall of Fame Game and last, but not least, get a photo with the World's Largest Catsup Bottle!
In 2012, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built a larger-than-life version of the vintage Idaho potato postcard in celebration of its 75th anniversary. Idaho potatoes are a staple in almost every household in America and are one of the most important agricultural crops in Idaho. Idaho potatoes generate close to $5 billion in revenue annually and employ more than 30,000 people. The Great Big Idaho Potato Truck is our unique way of reminding consumers to always look for the famous `Grown in Idaho' seal.
Weighing in at 6 tons (the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho potatoes), the Great Big Idaho Potato is traversing the country to greet fans and to help raise funds and awareness for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), a national non-profit organization that serves more than one million meals each day to homebound seniors. To date, the IPC has donated $200,000 to MOWAA and has helped raise national awareness of the organization's mission to end senior hunger by 2020.
The Great Big Idaho Potato Truck was created and built by Chris Schofield and Sharolyn Spruce of Weiser, Idaho. With the help of a few specialized contractors, they spent an entire year designing and building this incredible vehicle. The Kenworth Sales Company and Western Trailer, both based in Boise, Idaho, also aided with the construction.
The Tour
To find out when the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck will be in a city near you, visit www.bigidahopotato.com. The website provides in-depth information about the Truck, the IPC's partnership with MOWAA and weekly updates with tales and photos from the road. Information can also be found on social media:
Like us on Facebook: bigidahopotatotour
Follow us on Twitter: #bigidahopotato
Follow us on Instragram: #bigidahopotato
After the Truck's 22,000-mile journey, it will return to its home turf in Idaho to participate in the third annual Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. PG