Power to the potato

Weld County residents find many ways to honor our area's rich agricultural heritage. There are harvest festivals and fairs and parades in communities throughout the summer and fall.

But to many, Potato Day is the one they look forward to.

Started 21 years ago as a way to honor one of the original crops grown in the Union Colony, Potato Day is a fun-filled celebration of our agricultural heritage.

But what makes it even more significant: It is also history-filled.

Centennial Village, full of preserved buildings from various eras in Weld County's history, will become a living museum for the event. There will be 30 history stations set up throughout the event, including demonstrations of blacksmithing, printing, quilting, woodstove baking, butter making and Victorian hair art.

Most of the village's buildings will be open for touring, with many knowledgeable volunteers on hand to answer questions and explain the historical significance of the buildings. And there are many hands-on events for children throughout the day.

And, no Potato Day would be complete without indulging in the tuber for which the event is named. Martin Produce has donated 2,200 potatoes for the event, which will be baked and served for lunch with various toppings. The price of the potato is included in the admission cost.

So if you want to get a little education with your fully-loaded potato, visit the festivities at Centennial Village Saturday. It's not a bad way to end the summer.

To go:

Potato Day, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Village. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children 3-11 and free for those younger than 2. Potatoes are served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. until they are gone.