Manhattan, Mont. — Manhattan’s 40th annual Potato Festival brought the community together Saturday with a parade, activities for all ages and a visit from the Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile.
The event, also known as Spud Fest, filled the town with residents and visitors as people gathered to celebrate Manhattan’s agricultural roots.
Sarah Miller, a Manhattan resident, said the turnout stretched beyond local residents.
"This is the whole town and more really. It's a very lively community and we really just have so much support here and so many resources so it's really beautiful to see us all come together," said Miller.
Festival organizers began the event in 1986 to honor the town’s farming history. The celebration also highlights Manhattan’s reputation as the Treasure State’s potato capital.
The festival featured nonprofits, small businesses, and the local volunteer fire department, Miller explained.
"There's tons of nonprofits here. A couple of really small businesses that have grown here over the years. Lots of friendly faces and once again just the community support and don't forget the volunteer fire department; they really do a lot for us," said Miller.
One of the business owners at the parade said the festival also helped bring customers to a newer local cafe.
Aaron Flood owns the Storehouse Cafe in Manhattan, a business he started only four months ago, alongside his wife and brother.
"Yeah, so, we knew it was coming. We adjusted; we got ready for, for a lot of people. Wanted to serve them the same thing but faster. So, I think we were able to do that, yeah," said Flood.
Another major draw came rolling into town during the festival. The 27-foot-long Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile also stopped in Manhattan as part of its tour through the Treasure State after visits in Three Forks and Bozeman during the week.
More information about the festival is available on the Manhattan Potato Festival Facebook page, or by calling (406) 282-4721.