Greetings, and let me welcome everyone to the 87^th Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival on October 19th. This is not just a festival but a celebration deeply rooted in the history of Merrill, Oregon, entertaining generations and preserving our local heritage.

The potato, a dinner-time regular, has been a staple of this area for over 100 years. What used to be a single variety has now grown to many. Some are colorful, some blockish, some wonderful on the dinner table, others used in salads, instant potatoes, or chipping. The diversity of potatoes is fascinating, and we honor the humble potato in all its forms this weekend.

This year’s theme, “Potatoes, Still #1,” reflects our ongoing support of local growers, our Grand Marshalls-The Woodhouse Family, reflects several generations of local agricultural stewardship. We encourage you to buy tickets from your favorite Potato Festival Princess, most of the local High Schools have one, and prepare to wave at our Jr. Princesses as they ride on the float.

This festival begins with the crowning of a queen on October 12th, and Saturday the 19^th starts with an 11:00 am parade down Front Street in Merrill; you must be early to get a good spot. Then, linger a bit after it is over, and join us for a BBQ by the Lions featuring …a baked potato. Do not worry; there is always plenty; typically, we serve about a thousand hungry folks. There is plenty to do and see, so make a day of it; join us on October 19^th. There will be music, fun, raffles, food, and all the ingredients for a pleasant family day.

We will see you there,

Barb Dehlinger

Merrill Lions Club President