By Aimee Durand
Idaho’s famous potato legacy unites this New Year’s Eve with the 6th Annual Idaho Potato Drop at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise.
CEO and event founder Dylan Cline urges ‘spec-taters’ to arrive early Monday, Dec. 31, as multiple festivities start at 3 p.m. and continue toward ringing in 2019 to 1 a.m.
The catalyst for this event was a realization that not everyone was thrilled with having Idaho known for the potato. Cline, a fourth-generation Idahoan, felt it important to illuminate the role the humble potato has had in Idaho’s heritage and success and he found a way to move the traditional side dish to center stage.
“It is a fun, tongue-in-cheek event that supports our entire state and puts Idaho on the world stage,” Cline said.
The event has been recognized nationally with between 25,000-30,000 people ringing in the New Year with the giant Glowtato drop resembling New York’s ball drop and fireworks display.
“The event draws from all over the world, from Paris, England, South America, Hawaii, Eastern and Western Europe,” Cline said. “Everything is enhanced. “Suffice it to say, it should be very impressive this year.”
Cline, a musician, is excited about the lineup in music, which includes American Mile, Boise Rock School, Gipsy Moonrise, Jeff Crosby & The Refugees, Marshall Poole, Red Light Challenge, and one of Cline’s favorite bands, Mat Hopper and the Roman Candles, Casio Dreams, DJ Jett Rokk and the comedy of Lady Bizness. Part of the music experience is a 20-by-20-foot LED, LCD dance floor with video images displayed underfoot.
“The music is pretty spectacular,” Cline said.
There are daytime activities and warming areas for the young ones. There are chances to win a hot tub, trips, golf packages and more.
Along with entertainment, there will be gourmet food, cocktails, food trucks, vendors, games and activities.
For more information or VIP tickets go to idahopotatodrop.com