POTATO DAYS FESTIVAL BARNESVILLE, MINNESOTA
Event and Activity Descriptions
If the answers you seek can't be found here or on the registration forms, please reach out to us here.
More prices and information will be added as it becomes available.
Miss Tator Tot Pageant
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
Every five and six year old that enters the Miss Tator Tot contest is a winner. Every contestant receives a participation trophy and a chance to ride on the float during the Parade on Saturday.
Prior to the pageant, the young girls take part in the information session and interviews. At this time, they are judged on poise, general knowledge, manners and responses.
CONTEST RULES:
Contestants must be 5-6 years of age as of September 1st, and must live within and/or be enrolled in Barnesville School District. Judging is based on an interview, as well as modeling of "potato sack" attire and party dress.
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
A budding tradition as part of the Potato Days Festival celebration, the Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson Memorial 5K run/walk is set for Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m.(following the Color Run at 8) The course goes around scenic Blue Eagle Lake and continues to wind through the streets of Barnesville. Bring the whole family for some good exercise and fun!
Our race honors the memory of Jaynie Halvorson(Herbranson), an immeasurably impactful and inspirational community member who had a passion for running and chaired our race for many years.
Check-in for the run will be held at the Lions picnic shelter at Blue Eagle Lake located on the corner of 5th Avenue NE and 8th Street NE from 7:15 - 7:45 a.m. on Saturday.
Potato Peeling Contest
Jaynie (Herbranson) Halvorson 5k Fun Run
Potato Peeling Contest
One of several events dating back to the original Potato Days Festival is the Potato Peeling Contest. Although lots of things have changed over the decades and just about everything has become mechanized, the best way to peel a potato is still lots of elbow grease, a sharp knife or a good old fashioned potato peeler.
CONTEST RULES:
Each contestant is given three minutes to peel as many potatoes as possible. Potatoes must be peeled clean; however, eyes need not be removed. The winner will be determined by the total net weight (pounds of potatoes less pounds of peel).
Prizes will be given to the winners.
Register at the time of the event.
Street Fair
Potato Days Parade
Potato Peeling Contest
Front street is lined with rows of merchandise booths. In the past there have been such items as Victorian pictures, hand puppets, wind instruments, floral designs, wooden items, caricatures, Native American crafts, fur and leather products, rugs and quilts, sterling silver jewelry, hand-made cards, clothing items, purses, jewelry, and hand-made furniture. With dozens of vendors entering the show it is impossible to list all items, but rest assured, there is something for everyone.
Color Run
Potato Days Parade
Potato Days Parade
Prior to the 5k run the kiddos (and anyone else who wishes to participate) do a lap around Blue Eagle Lake on the walking pack. There are a few stations along the way where the runners are doused with colored powder.
Potato Days Parade
Potato Days Parade
Potato Days Parade
We all know what a parade is, but the one at Potato Days is a big deal. Typically, over 120 units participate in the procession. Grab some bags for the kids to collect candy in, find a comfortable spot along the route, kick back, and enjoy the spectacle.
View the parade route HERE.
Tap or click "REGISTER" below if you would like to be in the parade.
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
This is a gathering of unique vendors who offer a variety of handmade, natural, and creative goods.
There will also be fun family activities, food trucks, and a friendly atmosphere.
It's located at Thompson Greenery just off the interstate at 1301 Highway 34, Barnesville.
Mashed Potato Eating Contest
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
"Calling all Potato Lovers to the Mashed Potato Eating Contest!" Your goal, if you should choose to accept it, is to see how fast you can eat one bowl of taters. There is no entry fee just put your bib on and show up a little early if you'd like to participate. Only 10 contestants can compete in each category.
A prize is given to the winner in each category.
No need to register in advance. Just show up a little early to secure your spot at the table.
Potato Days (WOJO) Rodeo
Thompson Greenery Maker's Market
Potato Days (WOJO) Rodeo
Our rodeo has been an immediate hit these first couple of years. The atmosphere is electric and nobody leaves feeling disappointed.
These bold and skilled individuals put you on the edge of your seat by roping, racing, tying, and testing their endurance with the help of their majestic steeds.
The event takes place at 7:00 PM both Friday and Saturday.
Tickets are sold a at the gate.
Mash Up Basketball
Games to go Inflatables
Potato Days (WOJO) Rodeo
Grade school boys and girls will face off in a 3 vs 3 basketball tournament bracket taking place at various outdoor basketball courts around town.
Boom shaka laka.
Kids Games
Games to go Inflatables
Games to go Inflatables
Free games and contests for kids 12 and under. There's a whole lot of fun to be had hopping, racing, throwing, kicking, and battling on the tug-o-war rope. Prizes for winners and random drawings.
Games to go Inflatables
Games to go Inflatables
Games to go Inflatables
Little spuds will have a blast running, jumping, sliding, crawling, and climbing on these large bouncy structures.
Admittance bracelets can be purchased at the event.
Beer Garden & Street Dance
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
This party caps off the weekend with superb live music and a celebratory atmosphere. It is for ages 21+ as adult beverages are served. In 2025 the musical performance will be Slamabama.
A uniquely perfect blend of Country, Rock & Pop. SLAMABAMA's show consists a female lead with energy and vocal range to burn, PLUS an additional male lead vocalist/lead guitarist. Add in a 3rd vocalist to round out their unique 2 and 3 part harmonies backed by a dynamic and tight rhythm section.
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
Contestants must heave a large sack of potatoes up onto a platform that gradually rises each round until only the strongest potato loader remains.
Participants 18 and younger will have to sign a waiver that will be available at the Information Booth during the Festival.
There are prizes for the winners.
Register at the event if you would like to participate.
KC's Potato Pancake Feed
Nick Manston Memorial Strong Man Competition
KC's Potato Pancake Feed
There's nothing like a good breakfast on Saturday morning to get you rolling for a full day of Potato Days fun! The Barnesville Knights of Columbus Potato Pancake Feed has become a tradition for many festival goers. Enjoy all-you-can-eat potato pancakes, buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, juice, coffee and milk. Serving begins at 7:00 a.m. and runs until 11:00 a.m. at the Hildebrand Hall on Front Street.
Those wearing a Potato Days commemorative pin receive $1 off their meal.
Proceeds go to support the worthwhile projects in the area.
Historic Wagon Rides
Historic Wagon Rides
KC's Potato Pancake Feed
Kick back and enjoy transportation the way our ancestors did. You'll be taken around town to see some historic landmarks as well as beautiful fall scenery by the lake and creek. Kids will think it's neat to be pulled behind such strong and beautiful animals while grown-ups get some relaxing reprieve while also gaining a little perspective on our quaint town.
Age 6-Adult: $3
Age 5 and under: free
Car Show
Historic Wagon Rides
Food Court
A lineup of classic, unique, and antique vehicles on display and competing for prizes. There may also be scooters, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or tractors in the special interest division. Come take a look at pieces of history as well as modern vehicles that will leave you envious of its owner.
Barrel Rides
Firehose Water Fights
Firehose Water Fights
Barrel rides are a long-standing tradition in Barnesville as it is a timeless source of glee from children. (I myself have fond childhood memories of it in the 90s)
Have your little spud hop in one of the carts to be pulled behind the tractor for a few minutes. They will ask to go again and thank you for it later.
Firehose Water Fights
Firehose Water Fights
Firehose Water Fights
One of the newest and also one of the most enjoyable events at the festival for both participants and onlookers.
Teams of 5 battle it out tournament style to see who is the most cohesive and coordinated unit.
The target is a ball strung high up on a line between the two competing teams where each side tries to blast it toward a finish line marker. (Much like tug-of-war)
St. John's Breakfast
Firehose Water Fights
St. John's Breakfast
Stop by St. John's Lutheran church Saturday morning for a delectable breakfast platter that consists of potato bread French toast, breakfast sausage, watermelon, and juice.
You'll be very glad that you did.
Just for Kix
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
St. John's Breakfast
Dancers from the Just for Kix program will crank up the vibe and perform a choreographed routine for your viewing pleasure.
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
If you consider yourself knowledgeable come over to the main stage for this event and demonstrate your brainpower. Kayla will be seeing who in the crowd has the answers to common questions.
Suz Dance
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
General Trivia with Kayla Divel
Performers from Suz Dance Studio will entertain the crowd with a multitude of sophisticated moves set to bumpin tunes.
Bingo
Northwest Martial Arts
Card Tournaments
Most of you know how to play Bingo. If you don't, there will most certainly be a bevy of friendly folk at this event who are more than willing to fill you in. It's a traditional game that you can enjoy in a comfortable, small-town atmosphere.
Card Tournaments
Northwest Martial Arts
Card Tournaments
Northwest Martial Arts
Northwest Martial Arts
Northwest Martial Arts
NWMA is coming to the stage to showcase their physical and mental prowess as well as demonstrate high flying, board destroying skills.
Stoneridge Road
Craft Beer & Wine Event
Northwest Martial Arts
Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Craft Beer & Wine Event
Craft Beer & Wine Event
Craft Beer & Wine Event
Step out of the heat and into the cool Barnesville Event Center on Saturday for some sophisticated beverages from Nordic Oaks Vineyard & Winery as well as Outstate Brewing.
Get in on some trivia or bingo while you're there.