Florenceville-Bristol’s Potato World Museum hosts 11th annual event
This year’s National French Fry Day was a huge success, with live music, free French fries, and activities galore.
On Saturday, July 13, people across the Upper River Valley and Maine came to the Potato World Museum to celebrate what has become a Canadian staple. The event was put on with support from nearby McCain Foods.
This year’s National French Fry Day included various activities for all ages, like face painting, bouncy castles, and potato shooting. Vendors such as Steve’s Sausage and Jewelry and Craft by Melanie were popular among attendees.
Melanie Walker, owner of Jewelry and Craft by Melanie, was a new vendor at the event.
“It’s been great. It’s my first time over here, and so far, it’s been amazing,” said Walker.
This year, Potato World introduced a new activity: Touch a Truck. This interactive experience allowed people to get up close with various service trucks, including transport trucks supplied by Aberdeen Express, a Fire Truck, and an RCMP cruiser. Kids were thrilled to climb into the driver’s seat and ring the sirens, making it a memorable experience.
A new fan favourite was the French Fry Eating Contest, which replaced the French Fry Cutting Contest. Contestants had one minute to eat as many French fries as they could.
“It was a very, very, very close one,” said Brian McCain, who was crowned the first French Fry Eating Contest winner. He ate 0.19 kg of fries. Carleton North District Mayor Andrew Harvey was a close second, eating 0.18 kg. Chris Riddle won third with a total of 0.12kg, and Tobique Valley Mayor Tom Eagles was not far behind, eating 0.11kg. Nick Blyth and Clem McCain tied for fifth place by eating 0.8kg.
Potato World Museum manager Tammy Kirkland organized the event. She’s been working at the Potato World for 15 years. She said she loves hosting the event and is happy that so many in the community contribute to making the day a huge success.
“It’s great to have everybody involved,” said Kirkland, adding that she loves how the day allows families to have quality time together with an opportunity to make memories.
“It’s nice seeing everybody come out with their families and having fun and smiling,” said Kirkland.
The Potato World Museum continues to host its French Fry Day event for the community.
“That’s what it’s all about. It’s Carleton County; we’re homegrown Carleton County right here,” said Kirkland.
National French Fry Day has always been held on July 13, but starting next year, it will be celebrated on the second Friday of July.
