Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Beginning of Seven-Month Cross-Country Tour
Boise, Idaho, March 30, 2012 — After months of fanfare, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck has officially set-off on its seven-month cross-country journey following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter in front of the Idaho Capitol Building.
In celebration of its Diamond Anniversary, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built a larger-than-life version of the vintage Idaho® potato postcard. Weighing in at 6 tons, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck will traverse the country to greet fans and to help raise funds and awareness for Meals on Wheels, a non-profit organization that provides more than one million meals each day to homebound seniors.
“Potatoes are very important to Idaho and I’m proud of the work the entire industry has done for the past 75 years to develop a first-class brand that is recognized around the world,” said Governor Otter. “The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck serves as a traveling ambassador for the great state of Idaho, the number one producer of potatoes in the country.”
“This is very special year for us as we recognize an industry that has worked tirelessly to grow the finest potatoes available. We know that our potatoes provide nourishment to millions of folks every day of the year but many don’t realize how important the potato industry is to Idaho,” explained Frank Muir, president and CEO, IPC. “Idaho® Potatoes generate more than $4 billion dollars in revenue annually and employee more than 30,000 people. Agriculture and potatoes in particular are the primary reasons Idaho is among the most fiscally sound states in the nation.”
The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck made its national debut at the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl in Boise last December when ESPN prominently featured it several times during the Game. Since then, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck has made several local appearances in Idaho and at every venue, the most frequently asked question is “Is it real?” We’ll never tell…you decide!
