EAGLE, IDAHO, April 1, 2008- The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) today launched the iTuber Take II video contest on the popular website, YouTube, inviting spud lovers from across the country to work their magic in front of the camera with America's favorite vegetable: the Idaho Potato. In celebration of the International Year of the Potato, the Idaho Potato Commission has launched a special category just for Idaho high school students with cash prizes for the student winner and his/her high school.
2007 marked the first year of the iTuber video contest for tater fans. "Consumers pulled out all stops last year with the videos they submitted to the iTuber video contest. It was evident that considerable time and energy went into the creation of each video entered," said Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "We are very excited about this year's contest and the new Idaho high school category and seeing how creative Idaho Potato lovers of all ages can get with their potatoes."
The Prizes
iTuber Take II
One Grand Prize winner will be awarded $3,000 CASH and two Runners Up will each receive $1,000. But everyone will win because all qualified entrants will receive an MP3 player.
Idaho High School Students
One winner will receive a $100 Savings Bond and his/her high school will win $250. All entrants will also receive an MP3 player.
How to Enter
To enter, contestants ages 18 years and older, must be willing to have up to ten minutes of fun with an Idaho Potato (on camera-of course) and to share their entry with the world via YouTube. What exactly do we mean by, "Have fun with a potato?" Well, certainly, there are many ways to have a good time with a nutritious, fat-free Idaho Potato. Submissions can be humorous, artistic, or even serious. Entries could include artwork, recipe demonstrations, using a potato to solve a common household problem, a potato-themed skit or game, or any other relevant ideas that come to mind. All entries must be received by 11:59pm EST on May 31, 2008. Visit www.iTuber.org for more details and contest rules. There is a limit of one entry per person. Idaho high school students must have parental or guardian permission to enter.
Judging
Eligible entries will be selected based on three judging categories: creativity and uniqueness (50%); video production quality (25%); and writing and acting (25%).
2007 Entries
Entries submitted last year were as versatile as the Idaho Potato itself. They ranged from traditional cooking videos to documentaries to an operetta featuring a singing spud. To view last year's entries visit http://www.youtube.com/group/iTuberContest.
2008 iTuber Launch Video
The launch video that appears on the www.ituber.org homepage is an original rap video written and directed by DJayMoney, aka Jay Alan Meier, of Vancouver, Washington who was one of the grand prize winners of the 2007 iTuber Video Contest. His engaging video titled, I.D.A.H.O Potato, provides contest details and touts many reasons why Idaho Potatoes are the potatoes to eat.
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.