French Fry Feed Tonight

Sean Lee

Document Type

News Article

Publication Date

9-2011

Campus Unit

University of North Dakota

Abstract

Briefly: Thursday - French Fry Feed (4:30 p.m) and fireworks Friday - 8K run (4:00 p.m.) Saturday - Parade (10:30 a.m.); Tailgating (1:00 p.m,) Sioux v.s Black Hills State (6:00 p.m.)

Found only in Grand Forks, Potato Bowl USA is a celebration of the upcoming fall season.

"The Potato Bowl is part of our history," said Potato Bowl organizer Michael Elsberry. "It's not only about the football game but a celebration of the fall harvest season."

Elsberry is the Jaycee's Potato Bowl Parade Chair.

Events such as the world's largest french fry feed, fireworks and a parade are held during the week of the Potato Bowl.

Before the "bowl" itself, a 90-float parade will take place through downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks on Demers Avenue Saturday morning. The Fighting Sioux football team will face Black Hill State on Saturday night at the Alerus Center.

Thursday – French Fry Feed and fireworks in University Park (4:30 p.m to dusk)

A massive giveaway of french fries will take place at 4:30 p.m. in University Park. Hundreds of boxes potatoes will be flash-fried in the park on a extra large fryer in an attempt to serve a record-breaking amount of fries (current world record: 4,518 pounds).

"We want to set a new world record," said Elsberry. "I think we stand a good chance in doing just that."

Live music, food vendors and the Sioux football team will be on hand to meet fans in the park.

A fireworks show will take place shortly after dusk at the Memorial Stadium (across from University Park.)

Friday – 8K Run (6:00 p.m.) Hugo's 8K & Tater Tot Run will take place at Riverside Park in Grand Forks. Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. and the race at 6:00 p.m. Call: 218-773-3633.

Saturday – Potato Bowl Parade (10:30 a.m.), tailgating and football (6:00 p.m) Parade: The Potato Bowl Parade will start on 8th Street North and snake to Demers Avenue though downtown Grand Forks (http://potatobowl.org/parade/)

"There will be about 90 entries total," Elsberry said. "We have seven marching bands, including the UND band, as well as a wind turbine blade from LM Glasfiber."

Parade-goers are encouraged to arrive early for a good spot. "Last year, almost every spot along Demers was about ten people deep. It's great to see the community come out."

Parade-goers are reminded that no parking is allowed on Demers Ave on the day of the parade.

Tailgating: Tailgating will take place outside the Alerus Center before the game. Plenty of food and festivities will be on hand as fans await the arrival of the UND football team as they take on Black Hills State.

Tailgating passes are available at the Alerus. The parking lot opens at 1:00 p.m and will feature free food and a live band.

Welcome Back: UND students are encouraged to attend a special "Welcome back to UND" event hosted by the City of Grand Forks at the Alerus Center. Several booths from local area businesses, as well as the City Council and Mayor Brown's office will be in attendance.

"The City of Grand Forks want to welcome students back to the community," said Kylie Oversen, UND student body president. "(UND students) are a part of the community of Grand Forks as well. The Potato Bowl is a great time to get out and meet your neighbors."

Game Day: After two back-to-back losses on the road, the Sioux hope to rebound with a win over Black Hills State before the hometown crowd.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Alerus Center.

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