Shelley Celebrates Spud Day

Shelley celebrated the great Idaho russet potato with it’s 85th annual Spud day Saturday. People from all over Idaho joined in the Spud day fun.

Although other years brought bad weather, Spud Day Chair Chris Sheetz said they were lucky to get sunshine and mild winds.

“It was a beautiful day, so we’re very thankful that everyone could come out and enjoy,” said Sheetz.

Attendees could enjoy a free spud, local food, and of course potato picking. The potato picking contest stems from the tradition of harvesting russet potatoes a challenge that Sheetz said may be more than contestants bargained for.

“It’s been going on for years and you have all ages of contests from just the little kids all the way up to adults. They pick from 25 pounds all the way up to 500 pounds, so it’s a world class contest,” she said.

Many say that there is more to the fair than potatoes. From city officials to kids showcasing their bicycles, Shelley local Carolee Carlson said Spud day wouldn’t be complete without a parade.

“It is a real exciting time. I enjoy coming here because all of my kids and grandkids come. It’s just a tradition,” said Carlson.

Carlson has been coming to Spud Day since she was a child, and at sixty-five years old, she wants her children to experience the fun.