It's that time of the year, the time when the region's potato industry teams with the University of North Dakota to celebrate with a fall festival, Potato Bowl USA!
Activities started earlier this week with the Hugo's Potato Bowl Golf Tournament at Valley Golf Course in East Grand Forks. Other signature events include the World's Largest French Fry Feed presented by Simplot, AgCountry Fireworks on Friday evening downtown, the KEM Shrine Potato Bowl Parade on Saturday morning downtown, and the big Potato Bowl football game on Saturday afternoon at the Alerus Center.
This year the Fighting Hawks will take on conference foe Northern Iowa.
Check out PotatoBowl.org for all details including times, locations and a more information on these and other events.
This year's Potato Bowl Parade Grand Marshal is Mike Delisle. Mike was born and raised in East Grand Forks. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School and then went on to graduate from the University of North Dakota.
Mike is an owner of Mayo Manufacturing Company in East Grand Forks. Mayo was founded by Mike's grandfather, Mayo Delisle and his father, Duane Delisle in 1952. Mike, along with his brothers Mark and Dave, now operate the company which is known for producing and shipping high quality potato equipment though out North America as well as some export overseas.
Mike was one of the founders of the Valley Potato Expo, now known as the International Crop Expo. He is a long-time member of the Potato Associates and served as President for 5 years. He was one of the founders creating the Potato Bowl French Fry Feed along with working several years on the Potato Bowl Queen pageant contest.
Mike, and his wife MaryAnn, have four children, Matt and Dusty live in Minneapolis, Jake lives in Grand Forks, and Ashley resides in Chicago. Mike enjoys traveling, visiting his children and attending college football, hockey and basketball games.
The Potato Bowl Ambassadors are Claire Bjorneby and Tanner Piepkorn. They have both received scholarships and will ride in the Potato Bowl Parade.
Claire is a 2022 graduate of Grafton High School. While in school, Claire participated in basketball, volleyball, track, golf, FCA, DECA and FBLA.
In the fall she will be attending Mayville State University to pursue a degree in Allied Health. In addition to her studies, Claire will be playing volleyball for the Comets. Her goal is to eventually receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Claire is the daughter of Chris and Christine Bjorneby of Grafton, N.D.
Tanner is a 2022 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School. While in school, Tanner participated in basketball, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, DECA and FBLA. Tanner was awarded the Personal Best Award by his peers. This award goes to a student who displays good character, helps their classmates and always tries their best in class.
In the fall, she will be attending Bemidji State University to pursue a degree in Business Management. Tanner would like to eventually own his own business.
Tanner is the son of Clark and Kathy Piepkorn of Grand Forks, N.D.
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, North Dakota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables