Digging in for Scottsdale’s spudtacular
Legerwood farmer Hamish Williams says he’s looking forward to seeing Spud Fest make its way onto the events calendar for the North East to celebrate the humble crop.
February 5, 2025
Spud Fest is just six weeks away and while farmers are busy preparing to harvest tonnes of starchy goodness from the red soils across the region, event organisers are toiling just as hard.
“We are getting to the pointy end with everything coming together which is exciting,” event entertainment organiser Fiona Bennett said.
“Online sales are ticking over but we are known for not buying tickets well in advance so we are confident they will improve.”
The event will take place at Northeast Park on Sunday, March 16 from 11am – 5pm and early bird tickets for the inaugural event are now available at $15 per person. Under 16 is free but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Early bird tickets will finish on Feb 28 and the entry cost then rises to $20.
While the schedule of events is being confirmed, Mrs Bennett said there was definitely going to be a competition for the biggest spud.
Other tater competitions will also be held, while local stallholders will feature beers, wines and spirits and a range of food will also be on offer, including the traditional hot spud.
Entertainment will include a performance by the Launceston City Band followed by classics by Clinton Hutton.
There will also be craft stalls, cooking demonstrations, circus entertainment and balloon art.
Mrs Bennett said Spud Fest was being organised by a volunteer committee with any profits to go toward Lions Club of Scottsdale projects in the community as well as funding the event into the future.
Local farmer Hamish Williams said his family grew up to 50ha of potatoes each year across their Legerwood farm and leased land at Blumont.
Mr Williams said the season so far was looking positive.
“So far it has been pretty good for the North East – I think there were a few issues with that November rain that caused some problems but we handled it very well. As long as we don’t get excessive amounts of rain from here on in, we would be good. The heat is good as long as it’s not for too long.
“A few have started harvesting some early crops but we won’t be harvesting until the middle and end of March.”
Mr Williams said he was looking forward to supporting Spud Fest that will shine a spotlight on the veggie staple.
“Absolutely, it’s great to have something different for the area,” he said.
Tickets are available via humanitix.