MONTE VISTA—Hundreds gathered Saturday to celebrate the 12th Annual SLV Potato Festival in Chapman Park. There was something fun for everyone during the annual event held in honor of the Valley’s favorite vegetable. There were tons of vendors selling everything from adorable décor to clothes! Kettle corn, snow cones and other delicious treats were available for sale. Of course there was also plenty of potato dishes to enjoy, including a free baked potato bar.
At 8 a.m. everything got kicked off with a 5k fun run to help fight juvenile diabetes. The farm tour bus also left the park around 8 a.m. giving those along for the ride a unique educational experience. At 1 p.m. there was a cooking demonstration by Chef Carly Smith. Smith who has learned a lot about healthy eating for your gut, shared with those watching about her own health journey. The potato salad she created was delicious and full of gut nutrition. Those who came enjoyed a sampling of it.
For the children there was tons of exciting things to do. There were pony rides available, trampolines, bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle courses and much more. There was also a mashed potato dunk tank which was a very popular attraction. Among other brave souls, the Monte Vista’s own Mayor Dale Becker was a good sport and participated in the dunking.   
The only unfortunate thing about the fun-filled festival was a hard rainstorm that cut the celebrating a little shorter than most would’ve liked. The rainstorm hit the park around three in the afternoon.  Although the celebrating in the park may have been cut a little short, the fun continued later that night at the Ski-Hi arena with the motorcycle stunt show. Octane Addictions kicked off their daring show at 6 p.m. and wowed audiences with their gravity defying tricks.
The Valley’s history with growing potatoes started all the way back in the late 1800s. Ever since then the Valley has been growing potatoes on a large scale. The potato festival, in honor of the spuds, is always looked forward to. People are already excited to see what next year’s festival will bring.