Eastern Idaho celebrates the potato harvest

Idahoans are celebrating a proud Gem State tradition, as spud harvest is now upon us.

Eastern Idaho is the place to be this weekend as thousands of people came out to celebrate.

Shelley’s annual Spud Day is now in its 75th year.

“It’s great for the community to have this day,” said Shelley native Susan Morales. “Everybody comes out for Spud Day!”

The festival is not just for the grown-ups.

The tater tots were loving every minute of spud-themed fun.

“Spud Day is my favorite,” said 8-year-old Kylee Mabry.

While folks in Shelley were coming together like mashed potatoes and gravy, there was a little bit of tension brewing in Idaho Falls. Local heroes became the main event at the Harvest Festival there, as they went head-to-head in a chili contest.

“People have been saying our chili’s the best,” said Tom Clawson, of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue crew. “We think it is!”

The Idaho Falls fire and police departments also competed.

“The Idaho Falls Police Department makes the best chili in Idaho Falls,” said officer Angie Proctor. “Ours is made with love!”

“It’s awesome. It really is a great opportunity for the community to come out and support the local businesses,” said Jeremy Taylor, co-owner of the Idaho Falls Harvest Festival.