After cancelling this year’s Portage la Prairie Potato Festival, organizers are turning their focus to the future with an 18+ Halloween social set for October 11. Funds raised will go toward bringing the festival back in 2026.
Festival co-chair Kyle Adamski notes the committee wants to boost year-round fundraising.
“We're going to kick off right away here with some fundraising efforts,” he says. “We're going to do a Halloween social. We got live entertainment, DJ, good prizes…come out in your best costume.”
Hard call to cancel
The decision to cancel the festival this year was not easy, Adamski admits.
“We didn't have money to go forward and then we didn't have the volunteers. Unfortunately, we had a committee of three. We've bumped that up to six now, but we always need the help.”
He continues that sponsors and vendors were supportive.
“It wasn't an easy decision, but unanimously we voted on it. Most people are basically just saying, keep it for next year.”
Community support
Despite the setback, Adamski remarks the community has been understanding.
“They were sad and upset, but nobody was mad. Everybody understands that if you can't do it, you can't do it.”
The cancellation has also encouraged new interest.
“We had a few more people poking around, asking what it all entails to volunteer,” he mentions. “Every little bit helps.”
Family tradition
The Potato Festival, launched by the Chamber of Commerce more than 20 years ago, is known as a free, family event. Adamski says that’s the goal again in 2026.
“There’s no admission, no cost to entertainment or the kids' gaming area,” he notes. “McCain and Simplot give out free fries and lots of other free food.”
He adds that Island Park is now the home of the event.
“A lot more family-friendly, lots of grass and shade,” Adamski says. “It gives some enlightenment on one of our city’s diamonds in the rough.”
How to take part
Tickets for the social are $20 each. Details are available by phone at 204-595-2212, through the festival’s Facebook page, at portagepotatofest.com, or by email at portagepotatofest@gmail.com.
Organizers hope the social will set the stage for the festival’s return to Island Park in August 2026.
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