Who started the Boise Idaho Potato drop? History explored as tradition ranked one of top 10 New Year’s Eve drops

The Idaho Potato Drop is an unusual way of observing New Year’s Eve in Boise, Idaho. This celebration consists of a huge fiberglass potato that is dropped at midnight of the new year. With time, this event has received attention worldwide and was recently listed as one of the top 10 New Year’s Eve events by USA Today.

The concept of the Idaho Potato Drop started in the Fall of 2012 when local businessman Dylan Cline came up with the idea. Cline wished to create an event where along with the New Year celebrations, Idaho, and specifically its agricultural heritage including potatoes could be highlighted.

People were there to witness the first events on December 31, 2013, where instead of the real potato, a foam one was dropped from the top of the US Bank situated in downtown Boise. The event gathered massive attraction and received coverage from numerous media outlets.

Over the years, the event has changed in many ways. Subsequent years saw it being replaced by a heavier 17 ft fiberglass potato, called the Idaho Glowtato, which is lowered from above the Idaho State Capitol each year.

The function has been taken over by live bands, hawkers, and other entertainment features that have made the environment lively for families and party lovers.

Role in starting the Idaho Potato Drop

Cline's vision for the Idaho Potato Drop came in 2012, which was to come up with a celebration that was fresh in its appeal and would promote Idaho's leading crop – potato.

The first festival occurred on December 31, 2013, when they dropped a foam potato from a building in downtown Boise. This initial drop was well embraced by spectators and gave the festival a massive boost; the attendees were recorded in thousands and garnered significant media attention.

Displaced after the third year, the event relocated to the Idaho State Capitol building which enhanced its visibility as well as served as a prestigious venue.

Over the years, Cline incorporated many features including the Idaho Glowtato, a huge fiberglass potato that illuminates at the Potato Drop, zippy live music, and food by vendors.

Goals and Impact

The Idaho New Year’s Eve Commission was created to make this event grow and to make sure that it doesn't dissolve over time. Their goals involve enhancing community pride among residents in Idaho’s agriculture and stimulating the tourist and economic development in the region.

Since the festivals began, the Idaho Potato Commission has been one of the main sponsors since they have wanted to promote Idaho potatoes across the country.

It’s now a tradition of New Year’s Eve festival in Boise and has the potential of attracting up to 40,000 people and more annually. It also raises funds for local non-profit organizations, art groups, and services through charity.

Trending

Celebrations are generally meant to be done in a manner that could provide a good start to the new year for all age groups of the populace.

This Idaho event has been acclaimed and ranked second in the USA Today Readers Choice Poll for New Year’s Eve drop in the country.

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