The Tater Team entered their 6-ton spud into the Clay County agricultural fair this past week! This was our spud’s first fair, and it was a big hit within the Clay County community. We arrived to Green Cove Florida on Monday and the fair officially opened on Thursday, so the team had a couple days off to enjoy! Kaylee and I went to Walt Disney World in Orlando #andLarry set off for Jax’s beach! Spuddy Buddy came to Disney World with us and had a magical time, he posed by Cinderella’s castle, rode the rides, and watched the firework show! After our exciting days off, we met back in Green Cove Florida for the start of the fair!
On opening day, there was a media day to promote the fair and the Tater Team was invited to join! Spuddy Buddy and the team were interviewed by the crew from channel 4 and even joined them during filming on the midway rides, and trying the fair food! The fair staff and volunteers were so welcoming during our visit and they did a great job advertising for the Big Idaho Potato truck. They even put us in a special spot in an arena where different show and competitions took place! We were able to see a High School FFA competition, lawn mower races, and monster truck shows! The fair had plenty more attractions and shows like a K-9 frisbee show, a hypnosis show and they had goat yoga! Not only did the fair have fabulous shows, they had a variety of quality food vendors! We even found a french fry stand that used only Idaho® russet potatoes!
The Clay County fair has an unique area on the grounds called the Early Florida Village, in this area they have original and replica buildings that uphold and educate others on early traditions. In early Florida they have a blacksmith, church, school house, sawmill, honey house, barn and jail. Each building offers an education opportunity to learn about earlier life. The team explored this area on Friday and was even able to try collared greens, butter beans, and chicken and rice.
The tater team spent Easter afternoon in the Early Florida Village for the Easter egg hunt celebration. We brought Spuddy Buddy plush toys for the volunteers to hand out and hide during the hunt! The Easter bunny and Spuddy Buddy greeted children at the event and posed for easter photos! Larry’s family and grandmother who live in Florida were able to visit and join for the special Easter Day!
This weekend the Tater Team also gave a BIG helping to CJ Acres Animal Rescue farm. Lee Sackett, the owner and founder started the rescue farm to help farm animals who were abandoned, abused or neglected. The Tater Team enjoyed getting to know him and hearing about the animals he cares for. The Clay County community really came together and filled up the signature board. The board was covered by the end of the weekend and we were happy to help such a great non-profit and cause.
Overall, the Clay County Fair won a first place blue ribbon! We had a superb time during our stay! We met so many great fans and worked with some fantastic people! We’re now heading to Houston, Texas for the next two weeks where we will be attending the McDonald’s Houston Children Festival, and the Houston Art Car Parade!
Thanks for following our journey! Until next time!
-Jessica
(Tater Twin 1.0)
