Potato Traditions From Idaho To Utah Are Worth Savoring

This morning on the radio show I asked “what are you celebrating today?” Turns out there's a pretty good celebration today. It's National Potato Day. I spent several years living in eastern Idaho, where the potato really is the king. Some of our best friends were potato farmers in the area, and they were some of the greatest people we've been around. And for the record, I love potatoes, in all their forms.

Every year on August 19, the spotlight shines on the potato—a food so versatile it deserves its own talent show. Sure, Idaho likes to brag about being “the potato state,” but hold on! Here in Utah, we know the real secret weapon isn’t just the spud itself. It’s what you dip it in: fry sauce. Utahns have elevated potato consumption into an art form. French fries are practically a state symbol, but only when dunked in that magical pink concoction of ketchup and mayo. While outsiders might scratch their heads at fry sauce, locals know it’s the glue holding together everything from late-night fast-food runs to Little League postgame celebrations. National Potato Day just wouldn’t be complete without it.

Potatoes...Any Way You Want 'Em!

The beauty of the potato is that it fits every mood. Feeling fancy? Scalloped potatoes with cream and cheese. Need comfort? A mountain of mashed potatoes with gravy (bonus points if it’s grandma’s Sunday dinner). On the go? Grab a bag of kettle chips and call it multitasking. And if you’re really dedicated, you could take the ultimate Utah challenge: tater tots at Crown Burger followed by funeral potatoes at a potluck. That’s basically the spud Olympics.

Potatoes, originally cultivated in the Andes, are survivors—feeding nations through famine, revolution, and low-carb diet fads. But in Utah, they’ve also become part of our food identity. Whether at a backyard barbecue or a tailgate at SUU or Utah Tech, potatoes are always invited, and they never disappoint.

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So, how should we in Utah celebrate National Potato Day? Easy: lean into the rivalry. Send a thank-you card to Idaho for growing them, then remind everyone that Utah perfected how to eat them. Just make sure the fry sauce supply doesn’t run dry.

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Because here in Utah, National Potato Day isn’t just about the spud—it’s about celebrating the glorious partnership of potatoes and fry sauce.