One year they tried handing out free potato chips but most people did not think that was such a hot idea.

Baked potatoes with all of the trimmings are how local people prefer to eat their famous staple on Spud Day. Wednesday marks the kick-off to the 81st Annual Idaho Spud Day in Shelley.

What does it take to prepare 6,500 hot potatoes? A volunteer effort made up of school district cooks from Shelley and Firth.

Wednesday a Miss Russet Pageant was held at Hillcrest High School in Idaho Falls. On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" will take center stage at the Virginia Theater.

New to this year's list of events, a golf tournament at Journeys End Golf Course.  It starts at 1 p.m. on Friday.  Also on that day, a Tater Trot at 3 p.m. at Shelley High's track. 

On Saturday, it is all about food and entertainment. The pancake breakfast starts at 7 a.m. inside the senior center. At 7:30 a.m., there will be a Spud Run and Half Marathon at Sunrise Elementary School. The children's parade starts at 9:45 a.m. with the Spud Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m.  Both take place on Shelley State Street. 

11:00 a.m.: the Pro Form Airborn Jump Rope Team performs on the park stage in the south west corner of the park

Noon: free baked potatoes at the south east park shelter, the talent show start at the stage on the south west corner of the park, at the center of the park there will be a potato picking contest

12:30 p.m.: Horseshow Tournament north side of the park

3:00 p.m.: Spud Tug at the south east ball diamond

North Bingham County Park

2:00 p.m.: Frisbee Golf Tournament, Red Baron RC Model Flyers

5:00 p.m.: Demolition Derby

If you take part in the week long Mr. Potato Head scavenger hunt, you could win the grand prize of $300.  For more information call Gerald at 524-3880.