Mantua – Starting this Friday, September 11th, the festival that almost didn’t happen this year definitely WILL be happening. Although as recently as April, the annual festival’s future was in peril when it was discovered that former committee members allegedly misappropriated funds. But due to a huge outpouring of community support, festival organizers report that all past due bills have been paid, and the local tradition will continue for the 42nd year.
“We all thought we weren’t going to be able to hold it this year. We’re so appreciative to local companies and individuals who made this possible,” gushed event co-chair Angie Hunter. Event sponsors and supporters include Sierra Trucking, Benjamin Trucking, Carlton Harley Davidson, Junction Auto, Fall & Stebbens Automotive, AWL Transport, Oscar Brugmann Sand & Gravel, OK Brugmann, Lakeside Sand & Gravel, Mantua Village Tavern, Carol Pollard, and Ursula Ficht. “Thanks to the community, it’s going to be great!” beamed Hunter.
Organizers bill it as the small-town festival that’s a-peeling for the whole family, and this year is no different in that regard. The festival kicks off at 6 pm on Friday night, with an opening ceremony on the main stage. Afterward, the Hard Rock Band takes the main stage for the evening, as Stage Two will feature a DJ, karaoke, and a potato chip eating contest, with all events ending at 11 pm.
The annual Potato Stomp race takes place on Saturday morning. A classic road race, the one, three and a half, and nine-mile courses begin at Crestwood High School and run through scenic roads and rolling hills, and offer lots of shade. Race awards will be bestowed on the main stage from 11 am to 12:30 pm. At 1 pm, a potato sack race will take place in the sand pit, with performers Blue Eyed Soul taking the main stage to rock away the afternoon. With the All Star Cheer & Dance performance, DJ, french fry and mashed potato eating contests, raffles and a bake-off, you won’t want to miss it.
The annual parade kicks off at Crestwood High School at 2 pm on Sunday, when participants make their way to the festival grounds, beginning the final day of the festival. Shortly afterward, the kiddie pedal tractor pulls kick off, with presentation of awards immediately following. Sunday afternoon will be filled with more music, balloon creations, and the Rotary celebrity pie contest and auction. The festival terminates with a raffle at 7 pm.
The full schedule of events is available after the break.
Schedule of Events
Festival Highlights
Midway Rides, Food Vendors, Crafters, Live Music,
Beer Tent, DJ, Contests and a Parade
Friday, September 11
6 pm – Opening Ceremony (Main Stage)
American Legion Post 193
Crestwood High School Choir
6 pm – Midway Opens
7-11 pm – Hard Rock Band (Main Stage)
Hard Driving Classic Rock
7-11 pm – C.C. DJ & Karaoke (Stage 2)
8 pm – Potato Chip Eating Contest (Stage 2)
Saturday, September 12
8 am – Potato Stomp (High School)
11 am – 12:30 pm – Potato Stomp Awards (Main Stage)
1 pm – Potato Sack Race (Sand Pit)
2:30-6:30 pm – Blue Eyed Soul (Main Stage)
Motown, R&B, Classic Rock
4 pm – Bake Off Entries Due (Lodge)
4 pm – Enterprise All Star Cheer & Dance (Stage 2)
4:30 pm – Bake Off
5 pm – French Fry Eating Contest (Stage 2)
6 pm – Potato Bake Off Awards & Auction (Stage 2)
Proceeds from auction donated to 4C’s Food Pantry
7 pm – Mashed Potato Eating Contest (Stage 2)
7:30 pm – Close – C.C. DJ & Karaoke (Stage 2)
8 pm – Close – Invincible (Main Stage)
High Energy Dance Music Mixed with Stadium Rock
9 pm – 50/50 Raffle Drawing
Sunday, September 13
2 pm – Potato Festival Parade Best Seats Along Main St.
(Begins At High School, Ends At Festival Grounds)
2 pm – Registration for Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pulls.
Event begins ½ hour after parade at festival grounds with presentation of awards following.
3-7 pm – Get Back Band (Main Stage)
Variety Rock Band from the 60’s & 70’s
4-7 pm – Balloon Creations with Mott Buchanan
4 pm – Rotary Celebrity Pie Contest & Auction (Stage 2)
5 pm – Parade Awards (Stage 2)
7 pm – Announcement of Raffle Winners & 50/50 Raffle (announcer’s booth)
