Idaho Potato Commission Launches First Video Contest on YouTube

The IPC is reaching out to spud lovers across the country, asking them to work their magic in front of the camera with America's favorite vegetable: the Idaho Potato. They want to see what people are doing with their Idaho spuds -- whether it's making fabulous meals, using potatoes to help get broken light bulbs out of sockets or even using an Idaho Potato as the "star" of a movie -- and have launched a video contest on YouTube.com.

Three Grand Prize winners will be awarded with $1,000 CASH each! Additionally, five runners-up will receive surprise gift baskets. But everyone will win because all qualified entrants will receive their very own beanie version of the IPC's mascot, Spuddy Buddy. The contest will run through June 29, 2007.

Dawn Wells, Mary Ann of Gilligan's Island, helped to kick off the contest with a surprise video. An avid cook herself, Dawn jumped at the chance to demonstrate her unique way of peeling Idaho Potatoes. The Idaho resident doesn't reveal where she learned this fun trick, but does admit that even the "Professor" would be impressed! To see her video, visit the contest website, www.iTuber.org.

If you are a videographer we invite you to submit a video and take a shot at winning one of the three $1,000 grand prizes. Or, pass along this email to someone who might be interested in entering the contest.

Even if you are not planning on entering the contest, we would still like you to visit www.iTuber.org. Click "Enter Now" and you will be directed to the Contest Group on YouTube where you need to click "Join This Group." The more members we have, the more likely the contest is to make it to the top of the YouTube list where even more people will learn of this contest. Not to mention, you'll get to see some pretty interesting potato videos!

This Contest is open to legal residents of the United States and the District of Columbia who were 18 years of age or older as of 05/15/07. Employees of Sponsor, Idaho Potato Commissioners, and agencies, agents and employees of the State of Idaho and all other service agencies involved with design, execution or fulfillment of this Contest, and members of the immediate families (defined for these purposes as parents, children, siblings, and spouse) or households (whether related or not) of any of the above are NOT eligible to enter or participate in any manner.