It was a case of one potato, two potato, three potato more, at the Go Otago day held at Taieri Agricultural Park yesterday.
Organised by the Taieri Lions Club, the year-long potato-growing competition required entrants to grow the biggest shore from one seed potato. More than 250 people took part in the competition, paying $10 for the chance to win prizes, including bragging rights for having the biggest potato.
Results varied, with one shore at the official weigh-in comprising a solitary spud - weighing 10g.
‘‘You wouldn't be able to do much with one,'' Taieri Lions Club project manager Jim Penno said. ‘‘But the winner is very impressive.''
The biggest shore, which weighed 5.485kg, was grown by Outram resident Graham McRae, who said he had no special secret for growing his prize-winning spuds.
‘‘I just put them in a bit of Outram soil and mix in a bit of compost, and away they go. I basically leave them to their own devices.''
Mr Penno said the Lions club bagged the potatoes and sold them to people at the Go Otago day. Proceeds would go to St John Mosgiel.
‘‘It is a great competition that seems to get bigger every year.''
More than 5000 people attended the celebrations yesterday and organisers said the event had exceeded their expectations.
‘‘We are delighted with the numbers and seeing so many people having a great time,'' event co ordinator Victoria Bunton said.
One of the drawcards for the family-focused day was the Big Dig Children's Event, in which hundreds of youngsters searched for prize winning tags in 30cu m of sawdust.
‘‘They had a great time, but the hard job for the committee is to now move all of the sawdust,'' Miss Bunton said.
Featuring exhibitors, local bands and performers, the event also included the Weber Brothers Circus with discounted entry available to people attending Go Otago.
Part of the proceeds from Go Otago will be donated to Alzheimers Society Otago Inc and Heart Children Otago.
