Manhattan, Mont. — Manhattan’s 40th annualPotato Festivalbrought the community together Saturday with a parade, activities for all ages and a visit from theOscar 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 morereally.It'sa very lively community and wereally justhave so much support here and so many resources soit's really beautifulto see us all come together," said Miller.
Festival organizers began the event in 1986 to honor the town’s farming history. The celebration also highlightsManhattan’s reputation as the Treasure State’s potato capital.
The festival featured nonprofits, smallbusinesses,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 anddon'tforget 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 theStorehouse Cafein Manhattan, a business he started only fourmonths ago, alongside his wife and brother.
"Yeah, so, we knew it was coming. Weadjusted;we gotready for,for a lot of people. Wanted to serve them the same thing but faster. So,I think wewere able to do that,yeah," saidFlood.
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 visitsinThree Forks and Bozeman during the week.
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