The Great Big Idaho Potato Truck Embarks on Second Cross-Country Tour

Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents. [caption id="attachment_16755" align="alignright" width="356"] Frank Muir (left) and Spuddy Buddy (center) send off the Tater Team, Paul, Kristie and Tyler, as they kick of the 2013 tour.[/caption] In 2012, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built a larger-than-life version of the vintage Idaho potato postcard in celebration of the IPC’s 75th anniversary. 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), the oldest and largest national organization dedicated to helping end senior hunger. “Last year the Truck became a national sensation. We’ve received thousands of emails and calls from folks across the country asking when and where they can see the Truck, and we’re thrilled it’s back on the road,” says Frank Muir, president and CEO, IPC. "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.” Seen by millions of Americans in person and on the national television commercial, the most frequently asked question is, “Is it real?” Well we’ll never tell, but in the event that it is, the Great Big Idaho Potato …

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 vehicle. The Kenworth Sales Company and Western Trailer, both based in Boise, Idaho, also aided with the construction. During the Truck's 22,000-mile journey, it will make dozens of stops including: the National Football Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Derby Parade, College Baseball World Series, and a special visit to the World's Largest Catsup Bottle! At the end of the year, 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. In support of Meals On Wheels’ effort to end senior hunger by 2020, the IPC has donated $200,000 to MOWAA. The MOWAA logo appears prominently on the Truck and on the website www.bigidahopotato.com, where donations can be made electronically. To find out when the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck will be in a city near you, please 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.