Thorpdale Potato Festival Logo

Potato Events

Crowd Favourites

The Spud Events

Experience the excitement of our action-packed potato festival, where fierce competition combines with a good time, making for an unforgettable day.

The picking events showcase strength and skill, from the high-flying pallet toss to the fast-paced picking challenges. The main event, the Vin Rowe Spud Run, sees competitors go head-to-head in a test of speed and endurance.

For those who enjoy a challenge with a side of chaos, the mashed potato eating competition is a must. Grab a mate and dig in—it’s fast, it’s messy, and always a crowd favourite.

ON-THE-DAY REGISTRATION

  • Visit the Registration tent to complete an entry form. 
  • Cost for picking events, pallet throw and Vin Rowe Spud Challenge is $10 per person, per competition.
  • Cost for the mashed potato eating competition is $10 per pair.
  • Registrations close 15 minutes before each event.
Competitor in the gruelling Spud Run

Learn More

About The Competition

  • Experienced Pickers/Open: Experienced spud pickers, including farmers and farmhands, competing at a high level. 
  • Amateur (16+ Years): Enthusiasts with little to no professional experience, competing for fun.
  • Junior (12-15 years): Young competitors focusing on participation and skill development.

Amateurs are welcome to enter into the professional category. Entrants cannot enter both Open & Amateur events.

  • Entry for the picking events, Pallet Throw and Vin Rowe Spud Challenge is $10 per person. The Mashed Potato Eating event is a team event, costing $10 per pair (not per person).
  • Fees are payable at the registration tent before the competition. Cash and card payments are accepted.

Think you and a mate have what it takes to be the Mashed Potato Champions? Grab a partner and take on this fast, messy, and fun challenge at the Thorpdale Potato Festival.

  • When: 1:30pm
  • Where: Brandt Art Stage
  • Sign Up: At the registration tent
  • Prize: $50 for the fastest pair 

Junior Pickers (12-15 Years)

  • Entrants must pick three 15kg cartons of spuds.
  • The competitions are open to all, with girls and boys competing together rather than in separate divisions.

Prizes:

  • 1st: $150
  • 2nd: $100
  • 3rd: $50

Amateur Pickers (16+ Years)

  • Entrants must pick three 15kg cartons of spuds. 
  • Entrants cannot enter both Open & Amateur events.
  • The competitions are open to all, with women and men competing together rather than in separate divisions.

Prizes:

  • 1st: $300
  • 2nd: $100
  • 3rd: $50

Experienced Pickers/Open

  • Entrants must pick three 50kg bags of spuds, ensuring no spuds are left on the ground and all bags are sewn shut.
  • Pickers are to provide their own needles.
  • Entrants cannot enter both Open & Amateur events.
  • The competitions are open to all, with women and men competing together rather than in separate divisions.

Prizes:

  • 1st: $500
  • 2nd: $200
  • 3rd: $100

Compete in pairs to see who can throw a 50kg bag of spuds onto the highest pallet stack.

Prize:

  • 1st: $500

Test your strength and endurance in this 300m race while carrying a 50kg spud bag on your shoulders!

Prizes:

  • 1st: $600
  • 2nd: $200
  • 3rd: $100

The judges’ decision is final for all spud events and races. This ensures fair competition and smooth running of the events. No disputes or appeals will be considered once a decision has been made.

For any questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Thorpdale Potato Festival Logo

We respectfully acknowledge the Gunaikurnai People who are the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. We recognise their continued connection to Country and Community and pay our respects to Elders past and present.