Spudfest more than a-peeling

Scottsdale and spuds go together like bangers and mash so it makes perfect sense that Spudfest is back following the success of its inaugural event last year.

The homage to all things related to the humble spud will take place at a new venue, the Scottsdale Recreation Ground, on Saturday.

With local potato farmers in the midst of harvest the food staple will be as fresh and appealing as possible.

An impressive 10 varieties have been bagged up ready for sale thanks to the excellent farming practises of Winnaleah High School students - Dutch creams, carlingford, mayflower, kennebec, russett, King Edward, pink eye, nicola, pontiac and kipfler.

Money raised from the sales will go to the Scottsdale Swimming Club.

Scottsdale farmer Patrick Battler has been out in his paddocks with son Henry, 4, and he reckons it’s been an average season compared to others when it comes to yield, but the quality is there.

Mr Battler grows Innovator chip potatoes for McCains and contract harvests potatoes, hay and silage.

He has observed that potatoes planted in mid to late October have fared better than those planted later in November when heavy rain caused delays.

The later crops are still in the ground waiting for skin set.

“Spudfest is a great way to recognise the industry and it’s a really nice, relaxing day out,” he said.

“We need to promote farming to younger generations and get more people my age (35) interested in it.”

When she’s not on the spud digger and taking photos of spuds, Bronte Hall is the stallholder coordinator for Spudfest.

She said the success of the inaugural event last year caught everyone by surprise, and the food ran out a bit quick – but that won’t be the case this year with 10 food vans plus plenty of refreshments available.

Fresh potato sales, McLennan’s Butcher potato sausages, Little Rivers Spud Digger vodka and a potato peeling contest are some of the themed offerings.

Award-winning children’s band Vegetable Plot, SuperSillyUs Circus, face painting and many more children’s activities are provided free on the day.

Local spud grower Craig McKean has hunted up a monster spud (think the size of a watermelon) and patrons will be invited to guess its weight.

“We’re expecting a great atmosphere with Luke Parry and St Joe’s Big Band providing the music, plenty of local craft and produce stalls and the 2026 Finska Open of Tasmania also taking place on site with 29 teams from as far away as Sydney taking part,” Ms Hall said.

Finska is a popular, addictive Finnish outdoor log-tossing game, designed for two or more players, and involves trying to be the first to score exactly 50 points by throwing a wooden log at 12 numbered pins. 

More than 200 Spudfest tickets have already been sold and there will be gate sales on the day.

Entry is $15 and children U18 free. Gates open 11am-5pm.