W
hen it comes to blending agricultural innovation with a hearty helping of community fun, the Klamath Basin Research and Extension Center (KBREC) knows how to do it right. From spuds to snowflakes, KBREC’s recent appearances at the Merrill Potato Festival and Klamath Snowflake Parade were a hit with locals, serving up both education and entertainment.Spud-tacular Fun at the Merrill Potato Festival
October brought potato pride to the forefront at the Merrill Potato Festival, where KBREC stole the show. The center served up 1,200 baked potatoes to hungry attendees, featuring the Payette Russet, a superstar variety fresh out of the Tri-State Variety Development Program. But it wasn’t just about satisfying appetites—signage and variety cards turned the lunch line into a mini potato masterclass, showcasing how KBREC is shaping the Pacific Northwest’s potato industry one variety at a time.
And let’s talk about the competition. KBREC flexed its potato prowess, winning first place in russet, red, yellow, and purple categories, plus a third-place finish for chippers. The cherry (or potato) on top? KBREC earned the coveted “Best in Show” title for commercial potatoes. Their float, featuring a shiny new harvester partially funded by the Oregon Potato Commission and OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, rolled through the festival with pride—proof that farming can be both innovative and parade-worthy.
Potato-Powered Cheer at the Snowflake Parade
Fast-forward to December, and KBREC was back at it, bringing festive potato vibes to the Klamath Snowflake Parade. With more than 100 entries, the parade was a winter wonderland of lights, floats, and… you guessed it, potatoes! KBREC handed out 2-pound bags of a stunning purple-skinned, yellow-fleshed variety from their breeding program to around 700 lucky attendees.
Each bag came with a QR code linking to a video about KBREC, giving people a peek behind the scenes at the research powerhouse. Early stats show 3–4% of recipients scanned the code, which might not sound like much—until you realize it’s 20–30 people now geeking out about potato research!
The potatoes were so popular, KBREC ran out (again!). Fans who remembered last year’s giveaway were thrilled to snag another bag. Next year, the team plans to up their game with 1,000 bags to meet the growing demand. For those who missed it, you can still catch KBREC’s parade appearance in the recording. Just fast-forward to the 33-minute mark to see their float in action.
Why Potatoes? Because Potatoes Are Life
KBREC’s parade participation isn’t just about handing out spuds. It’s about connecting with the community, celebrating agricultural roots, and showing off the innovations that make the Klamath Basin a leader in potato production. Whether it’s introducing a new variety, providing critical community outreach, or simply spreading holiday cheer, KBREC proves that potatoes can bring people together in the most delightful ways.
So here’s to the humble potato: a food, a science, a symbol of community. And here’s to KBREC, for reminding us all that agriculture is more than a job—it’s a reason to celebrate!