[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE CITY OF SHELLEY, IDAHO, AND THE SHELLEY SPUD DAYS 
                               ACTIVITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2002

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, as the autumn nights get crisp and fall 
descends in eastern Idaho, the harvest of potatoes begins. So today, I 
rise to honor an Idaho tradition: Shelley Spud Days.
  Shelley, Idaho, located in Bingham County, produces more potatoes 
than any other place in the world. Idaho farmers harvest 400,000 acres 
of spuds each year equaling more than 14 billion pounds. With worldwide 
fame, it's only fitting that Idaho's most famous commodity is 
commemorated each year in the heart of potato country USA.
  So, for 74 years the closeknit community of Shelley has celebrated 
the harvest season with Shelley Spud Days. What started in 1927 when a 
handful of farmers gathered for a harvest party has transcended to one 
of Idaho's largest community celebrations. With only 3,500 residents, 
Shelley puts on a premier party. This year more than 10,000 people took 
in a day's worth of activities including wrestling in a mashed potato 
pit, shaking hands with Mr. Potato Head and eating a free baked potato 
with sour cream and butter.
  As any non-profit organization understands, these events could never 
function without dedicated volunteers who spend countless hours 
ensuring its success. I especially want to thank Raylene Johnson, 
coordinator for the event, for her hard work.
  I'm proud Shelley has continued this community event to celebrate 
what Idaho is famous for--potatoes. It's a celebration that hopefully 
will continue for years to come.

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