87th Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival

Theme: "Potatoes, Still # 1"

Grand Marshal: The Woodhouse Family

Greetings, and let me welcome everyone to the 87th Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival on October 19th. This is not just a festival but a celebration deeply rooted in the history of Merrill, Oregon, entertaining generations and preserving our local heritage.

The potato, a dinner-time regular, has been a staple of this area for over 100 years. What used to be a single variety has now grown to many. Some are colorful, some blockish, some wonderful on the dinner table, others used in salads, instant potatoes, or chipping. The diversity of potatoes is fascinating, and we honor the humble potato in all its forms this weekend.

This year’s theme, “Potatoes, Still #1,” reflects our ongoing support of local growers, our Grand Marshalls-The Woodhouse Family, reflects several generations of local agricultural stewardship. We encourage you to buy tickets from your favorite Potato Festival Princess, most of the local High Schools have one, and prepare to wave at our Jr. Princesses as they ride on the float.

This festival begins with the crowning of a queen on October 12th, and Saturday the 19th starts with an 11:00 am parade down Front Street in Merrill; you must be early to get a good spot. Then, linger a bit after it is over, and join us for a BBQ by the Lions featuring …a baked potato. Do not worry; there is always plenty; typically, we serve about a thousand hungry folks. There is plenty to do and see, so make a day of it; join us on October 19th. There will be music, fun, raffles, food, and all the ingredients for a pleasant family day.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, September 9th

6:00 pm Kick-Off Dinner

Saturday, October 12th

4:00 pm Queen Coronation & Talent Show Dinner

Thursday, October 17th

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Indoor and Outdoor Vendors accepted

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Exhibits accepted

Friday, October 18th

8:00 am to 12:00 pm Exhibits accepted

8:00 am to 12:00 pm Vendors accepted

1:00 to 5:00 pm Exhibit and Vendor Booths are open to the General Public

Saturday, October 19th

8:00 am Tater Trot/Spud Run Registration and Sign Up in Merrill at Front Street & Main next to the Old Barn
Click Here to Register

9:00 am Tater Trot/Spud Run – Run will be on South Merrill Road

Sack Race for Kids on the Grassy Area in Merrill on Front Street

9:00 am to 3:30 pm Free Merrill Health Fair at the Merrill Civic Center

9:30 am to 3:30 pm Exhibits and Vendors Open to the General Public

9:30 am to 10:30 am Parade Registration/Sign Up/Set Up Merrill Presbyterian Church

Pop Warner Football Games

11:00 am to 12:00 pm 2024 Klamath Basin Potato Festival Parade

12:00 pm to 3:30 pm Fee Lunch Hosted by the Merrill Lion’s Club and Basin Fertilizer & Chemical, Co

Note: available until food runs out.

12:00 pm to 3:30 pm Music and Beer Garden at Merrill Civic Center Football Field

1:00 pm Peel a Bucket of Potatoes at Merrill Civic Center Football Field

3:00 pm Klamath Basin Potato Festival Raffle Drawing

Date: October 19, 2024

Location: Merrill Civic Center, Merrill, OR 97633

Click Here For More Information