BOISE, ID, DECEMBER 17, 2004 - Sue Behrens of Roundy's in Milwaukee, WI, and three guests will receive VIP treatment at SpudFest 2005 -- including a special breakfast with SpudFest founder Dawn Wells (a.k.a. Mary Anne of the hit TV show Gilligan's Island). In early August of next year, Behrens and her family will travel to Idaho for the four-day celebration showcasing family films and musical talent, including shorts and animations.
It all began at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) convention in October when Behrens entered the Gilligan's Island trivia contest at the Idaho Potato Commission's booth. She demonstrated her Gilligan trivia prowess with correct answers to such questions as the name of the Skipper's boat (The Minnow) and which famous recipe of Mary Ann's the castaways gobbled up (Coconut Cream
Pie). Television icons Bob Denver (Gilligan), Dawn Wells (Mary Ann) and Russell Johnson (the Professor) were witnesses to her mastery of their 70s sitcom.
Each of these castaways are avid supporters of Idaho Potatoes and SpudFest -- Idaho's first national family film and music festival. To demonstrate their reciprocating commitment during the PMA reception, the IPC announced that it will serve as a major sponsor of SpudFest for the second year running, as well as sponsor the trivia contest's grand prize trip for four to the festival.
"We wanted to give the winner a first-class experience in Idaho. What better way to enjoy this beautiful part of the country than attending a fun-filled film festival?" said Seth Pemsler, Vice President of Retail, IPC. "Dawn Wells is an avid home chef, lives in Idaho Potato country and has a passion for the world's best tasting spuds. She even used the word 'spud' when naming her film festival. And, as SupdFest grows in popularity, Idaho's best-loved potato will remain top of mind for consumers."
Details of the grand prize include a round-trip flight for Behren and her family from Milwaukee to Idaho. They will stay at the Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming, receive a complimentary four-day car rental, four passes to the SpudFest Film and Music Festival and $500 in spending cash. SpudFest includes daytime events at the Grand Targhee Resort, as well as evening events held 12 miles away at the Spud Drive-In in Driggs, Idaho, featuring live music, food, art, craft booths and Hollywood premieres. (For more information about SpudFest, log onto www.spudfest.org.)
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown In Idaho" seal. Both Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" seal are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.