.png)
When it comes to quirky, messy, and undeniably fun traditions, America doesn't disappoint. Beyond mud wrestling and the jiggly hilarity of Jell-O wrestling, there's another unique sport that's been turning heads and staining clothes: mashed potato wrestling. Imagine diving into a pit of creamy spuds, grappling with an opponent while the crowd cheers you on. This peculiar event is a staple at several summer festivals across the United States, particularly in Minnesota, Maine, and South Dakota.
For the eco-conscious among us, rest assured that this isn't a wasteful indulgence. Post-competition, the mashed potato ring becomes a delightful feast for local cows, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
The setup for mashed potato wrestling is relatively simple yet effective. A small area is sectioned off with hay bales and lined with a tarp. This arena is then filled with a mixture of potato flakes, some chunks, and plenty of water, creating a gooey, slippery battleground. The origins of this zany sport can be traced back to Minnesota's Potato Days Festival. Since its inception in the late 1930s, this festival has celebrated all things potato with contests, pageants, and even potato art. The wrestling matches were introduced in the 1990s, adding a new layer of fun and chaos to the event.
As the folks at Explore Minnesota put it, "Virtually everything you could possibly do to a potato is done over the two days...pick it, peel it, fry it, race it, bake it; but most of all enjoy it!" And for those daring enough, wrestle in it.
Unfortunately, Minnesota's mashed potato wrestling competition was canceled in 2023. The potato flakes that would have been used for the event were instead donated to families in need. However, the 2024 season promises a return with a lineup of exciting events, including a mashed potato eating contest, a firemen's water fight, a strongman competition, and even a rodeo.
While each festival may tweak the rules of mashed potato wrestling, the core principles remain the same. The matches are often lighthearted and fun, though some participants take the competition seriously. Steve O'Gratin, a four-time champion and world record holder (known off the mat as Steve Barone), shared his experiences with the Star Tribune. "I remember not being able to breathe in the wet, cement-like potatoes, finding potatoes weeks after matches lodged in my wristwatch that had fermented, the cheering kids, and arriving one year to the pit on a helicopter."
If Minnesota's offerings aren't enough to satisfy your spud-wrestling cravings, Maine's Potato Blossom Festival is another hotspot. This week-long celebration includes not only mashed potato wrestling but also potato-picking contests, a horseshoe tournament, blacksmith demonstrations, live music, and abundant food.
Meanwhile, South Dakota's Potato Days, established in 1995, keeps the tradition alive with a wrestling match, a fun run, potato-decorating competitions, and a parade. These events guarantee a full day of potato-themed activities, ensuring attendees get their fill of spud-related fun.
So, whether you're a die-hard wrestling fan, a potato enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to spend a summer day, these festivals offer a messy, unforgettable experience. Just be prepared to find bits of potato in unexpected places long after the event is over!
Comments