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Kids Cling to Spudly at 5K Run/Walk
Above: Although chilly, more than 100 runners and walkers participated in the 2nd annual Tater Trot 5K Run/Walk in Friesland, Wisconsin, hosted by Alsum Farms on October 27.
By Dana Rady, WPVGA Director of Promotions & Consumer Education
Do you remember what it was like growing up and seeing Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, Tigger and all your favorite book and cartoon characters in person for the first time? Do you remember the excitement and anticipation? As my birthdays have come and gone since adolescence, I’ve only recently realized how much I forgot about the wonder, excitement and joy children exude in seeing a character magically come to life before their eyes and interact with them. Perhaps this realization is only obvious again now that I’m a mother and am experiencing this feeling through my kids’ eyes. But it’s a realization I’m reminded of every time I see Spudly interact not only with my boys, but also kids of all ages at the events he attends. The most recent of these events was 40 BC�T December
the Tater Trot 5K Run/Walk hosted by Alsum Farms and Produce in Friesland, Wisconsin, October 27. An event that encourages healthy and active lifestyles and inspires working the consumption of Wisconsin potatoes into one’s daily routine was a perfect fit for the Wisconsin potato industry’s mascot to attend. And Spudly could not have been a bigger hit! SPUDLY & LIL’ SPUDS More than 100 people ran, walked and visited the 2nd annual 5k event, and despite the cooler temperatures, kids came too, which brings me back to Spudly. Spudly shared with me that he had a great time interacting with the kids at this event, and it was obvious they did, too. At one point, a little girl was nearing
This little girl was so interested in showing Spudly some love that she didn’t even care about crossing the finish line during the children’s race portion of the Alsum Farms Tater Trot Run/Walk, October 27. Even Spudly’s gesture pointing her in the direction of the finish line didn’t make her budge!