September 7, 2015 at 12:06 p.m.
PotatoFest draws spud fans to Rhinelander
PotatoFest draws spud fans to Rhinelander
By Kayla Thomason-
Organizers said this year's third installment drew potato lovers from far and wide to the Trig's green space where they indulged in their love of all things tater.
"I think it's going really well," said Maggie Steffen, executive director of Downtown Rhinelander Inc., a partner in organizing the event. "Last night we doubled the fish fry that we had last year."
Those who attended PotatoFest on Saturday enjoyed various potato-related games such as potato putting (golfing) and the potato toss, where participants tossed potatoes into buckets.
"It's pretty cool. (We) got a lot of stuff for the kids," said Kristin Paulson, a first-time attendee. "I like PotatoFest a lot. It's nice for a small community to have things like this to do"
Preston Baker, 6, enjoyed the potato toss but he said he was most excited to play in the dirt and dig for the coveted Golden Potato.
Dexter Burnett was also vying for the special tuber.
"I hope that I get the Golden Potato," he said.
Other guests tested their balance by crawling inside a giant beach ball and running around in a shallow pool at the Wacky Water Walkerz booth.
"My son already did (Wacky Water Walkerz) and he loved it," said Tashia Knott, a first-time attendee.
She said she liked the butterfly fries and was impressed by the number of vendors.
"I like (PotatoFest)," she said. "It's really neat, it's good."
Knott plans to come back next year.
Other activities included a three-legged race, crafts, the Masonic Lodge breakfast, potato sack races and more.
"Thanks to our sponsors we were able to keep this festival free and that was one of our goals," Steffen said.
Other goals include making the festival a Labor Day weekend destination and to have other organizations in the community take part, get the word out and possibly raise funds.
"We couldn't do it without our sponsors," Steffen said.
The top three sponsors for PotatoFest are Trig's, Rhinelander Cafe & Pub, and NRG Media.
"Thanks to the River News and their little online poll, we were voted the No. 1 favorite summer event, I believe, for Rhinelander and we wear that honor proudly," she said.
DRI partnered with Tri-County Council - Lily's House and the Masonic Lodge to organize the event.
PotatoFest wrapped up Sunday with a Polka Fest.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@rivernews
online.com.
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