Eagle, Idaho, Aug 2, 2007 - From coast to coast, it's evident that folks all across the country love their Idaho Spuds. Paul Searle from McMinnville, OR, John Hill from Orlando, FL, and Jay Alan Meier from Vancouver, WA are the Grand Prize winners in the first annual iTuber Video Contest sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission. Each winner will receive $1000.
The winning videos will make their national debut on August 2 in front of a celebrity-studded "standing room only" crowd at SpudFest, Idaho's unique family film and television festival held every summer in Driggs, Idaho.
Founder of SpudFest, Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island was present along with friends Lou Ferrigno (Incredible Hulk), Rich Fields (The Price is Right) and the Governor of Idaho, C.L. "Butch" Otter.
"I am amazed at the creativity we saw in all the videos that were submitted. The three winning videos really made an impression on our judges with their uniqueness, scripting and execution," said Frank Muir, President and CEO, Idaho Potato Commission. "SpudFest is a natural and perfect venue for us to showcase the winning videos."
Paul Searle's video Grown In Idaho gives viewers a peek into life on an Idaho Potato farm. He shows how many Idaho Potato growing operations are family-owned and run, and how these families take pride in growing their potatoes and in being "grown in Idaho" themselves. Paul's video is unique as he created it using only still shots, mainly family photographs. Click here to view Grown In Idaho, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTjoaMd1Nc8.
DJayMoney, aka Jay Alan Meier, produced an exciting rap song called I.D.A.H.O Potato to let the world know how great Idaho Potatoes are. Using original music and lyrics that he wrote just for the contest, DJayMoney touts the nutritional aspects of Idaho Potatoes, along with various ways to prepare them. Click here to view I.D.A.H.O Potato, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wf8SKRVjXQ.
The third winning video, Opera Singing Spud by John Hill, features an Idaho Potato recipe that's easy enough for anyone to prepare. John used his computer animation talents to create a dancing, Opera singing Spuddy Buddy, the Idaho Potato Commission's own mascot. His original lyrics play perfectly against a well-known opera song, turning this simple recipe demonstration into fun entertainment. Click here to view Opera Singing Spud, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pij0BoAjvvk.
In addition, five runners up were selected. Each will receive an Idaho Potato Gift Basket valued at $150. The runners up are:
"The iTuber contest is a wonderful way for video enthusiasts to gain some practical experience, recognition, and maybe even win some money," stated Dawn Wells. "I've really enjoyed being a part of this contest ? the versatility of the Idaho Potato is certainly demonstrated in all of the videos."
To view Dawn Wells' potato peeling video, along with the other iTuber Contest video entries, visit www.iTuber.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 words Idaho® Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho®" seal are federally registered Certification Marks that certify to consumers that they are purchasing genuine Idaho Potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.