Big Idaho Potato Truck makes first international travel foray

Does a potato need a passport? If it’s Spuddy Buddy, the country-crossing mascot of the Idaho Potato Commission, then the answer is yes.

This summer, the Big Idaho Potato Truck, with Spuddy riding shotgun, made its first international trip. On July 13, the truck crossed the Canadian border into Surrey, British Columbia.

Spuddy presented an appropriately memorable passport the size of the truck door, and after an inspection, the truck began an eight-day journey through British Columbia.

When that trek was completed, the truck arrived in Skagway, Alaska, the closest America town on the northern Canadian border. It was a good time for the truck’s first Alaska visit — the town was having its annual Brews, Blues and BBQ Parade and Festival, according to a news release from the IPC.

Mayor Andrew Cremata proclaimed July 22 Idaho Potato Day and crowed two residents Idaho Potato King and Queen. King Cory Bricker, port manager for Alaska Marine Trucking, and Queen Cody Jennings, port director for the municipality of Skagway, both born and raised in Boise, Idaho, rode atop the truck in the parade as potato royalty.

“The world’s largest spud on wheels has been touring the continental U.S. for 11 years, and this year presented the perfect opportunity to cross into Canada and meet a new crop of Idaho potato fans,” Jamey Higham, IPC CEO and president, said in the release. “Alaska, we’ll be back!”

During its week-long Alaskan excursion, the truck stopped in Kamloops, Prince George, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Yukon.

A trip to Nevada is up next for the truck. Its tour schedule is available online at bigidahopotato.com/tour-schedule.