In a unique pre-game celebration, the Big Idaho Potato Truck is set to make its inaugural visit to Eugene on Friday, September 4, as excitement builds for the Oregon Ducks' season opener against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium on September 5. This event marks a special occasion in the truck's 14-year history, as it rolls into town to engage with fans and promote Idaho potatoes.
The truck will be stationed at the Safeway located at 145 E. 18th Ave. in Eugene from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering fans the opportunity to interact with the impressive 4-ton potato. The Idaho Potato Commission, which oversees the truck's nationwide tour, has organized this event to not only celebrate the upcoming football game but also to give back to the local community. They will be donating $1,000 to Food for Lane County through their "A Big Helping" program.
Fans attending the event will have the chance to receive a signed Idaho potato from Oregon senior edge rusher Teitum Tuioti, available on a limited first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, attendees can look forward to some free merchandise, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the day.
On game day, Spuddy Buddy, the truck's mascot, along with The Duck, the Oregon Ducks' mascot, will energize young fans during a halftime potato sack race. This fun activity is part of the Ducks' commitment to engaging their supporters, particularly the younger generation, while adding a light-hearted twist to the football experience.
Food enthusiasts can also look forward to a limited-time Idaho Potato dish available at select Gridiron Grill locations, featuring steakhouse fries topped with steak strips, mushrooms, and brown gravy. This culinary offering is sure to delight fans as they enjoy the game.
The Big Idaho Potato Truck has been on the road since 2012, traveling across the country to promote Idaho potatoes and the farmers who cultivate them. The truck, which travels on a 72-foot flatbed trailer, has made stops in communities across all 50 states, making it a well-known symbol of Idaho's agricultural heritage.
Curiosity often surrounds the truck, with the most frequently asked question being, "Is it real?" While the Idaho Potato Commission playfully keeps the answer a secret, they do share that if the potato were real, it would weigh 802 times more than the world's largest recorded potato, which weighed in at just 11 pounds. The Big Idaho Potato could potentially provide over 20,000 servings of mashed potatoes or more than 1 million French fries, equivalent to 21,562 medium-sized potatoes.
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