Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85958
WHAT THE HAUL?! The Great Big Idaho Potato® Truck Readies to Peel Out on the Interstate Pulled by a Kenworth T660, Debuts at Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl in Boise What nature can accomplish by producing a medium-sized, half- pound Idaho potato in a growing season took a team of designers and contractors nearly a year to re-create. Of course, the potato the human team produced was slightly bigger – to the tune of 6 tons and 28 feet in length. Mother Nature would certainly have been impressed with the detail and authenticity of the tater, which would have taken the green earth 10,000 years to grow, if it were even possible. While the eye-catching spud can't be eaten, it will foster a lot of looks and photos, and that's exactly why the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built the huge replica in honor of its 75th an- niversary. Hauled by a Kenworth T660, supplied by Kenworth Sales Com- 54 CHANGING LANES // FEBRUARY '12 pany on a one-year rental con- tract, the giant potato will make its way cross-country in 2012 to promote Idaho® potatoes. The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck, as it is known, will make stops at supermarkets, restaurants, trade events. While on the interstates, the tater, which is reminiscent of a famous postcard sold in Idaho showcasing a huge potato being hauled by a tractor/trailer, will be sure to make heads turn and mouths water wherever it goes. "I think the potato on the truck is a great idea," said Kim Wahlen of Pleasant Valley Potato, in an interview with the Capital Press, an agriculture publication. "Idaho grows big potatoes and we may as well put one on the freeway and show everybody." www.changinglanesdigital.com