On New Year's Eve, thousands of revelers will brave frigid temperatures to ring in 2019 in a way that only Idaho can - by lowering a giant, glowing potato at the strike of midnight.
The annual party in downtown Boise is so unique, that it often makes highlight reels worldwide.
Now in its sixth year, the Idaho Potato Drop has continued to expand its offering of family-friend activities, and this year is no different.
In addition to bringing back some fan-favorites like the ice sculpture display and the Big Air Rail Jam, organizers are planning some new events and contests to keep people entertained until the main event at midnight.
EVENT INFORMATION
- Idaho Potato Drop
- Cecil D. Andrus Park, Boise
- December 31, 3 p.m. - Midnight
NEW THIS YEAR
The adult beer garden will be extended to all of Cecil D. Andrus Park, giving people more room to enjoy their drinks and the festivities.
The Potato Drop is also partnering with a local restaurant to improve their VIP experience.
“One big thing we are doing this year is we are connecting with St. Lawrence Gridiron, we are partnering with them to extend our VIP tent, we are going to have some plated gourmet meals, some great entertainment in there,” said Dylan Cline, CEO of the Idaho Potato Drop.
CONTESTS
Raffle: Anyone donating $100 or more on the Idaho Potato Drop website to keep the free community event going will be entered to win a trip to their choice of three destinations courtesy Of Boise Benefit Auctions.
Photo/Video contest: Send in your best video or photo of the Idaho Potato Drop for a chance to win four rounds (18 holes) of golf at Boise Ranch Golf Course. To qualify, photos and videos must be posted to users' social media with the hashtag #IdahoPotatoDrop AND emailed to Contact@IdahoPotatoDrop.com.
Prize giveaways: Snake River Pool and Spa will be giving away a free hot tub, poker table, and a trip to Mexico.
VIP Experience
While the Idaho Potato Drop festivities are free to attend, including the live music and other attractions, there are definitely some benefits for those who spend some cash to get the VIP experience, including free raffle tickets to multiple drawings for a Mexico vacation package, a hot tub and Potato Drop merchandise.
The VIP area is hosted by Cumulus Radio and will be next to St. Lawrence Gridiron, where guests will be treated to festive drinks, appetizers and optional gourmet meals.
Guests will also have a 360-degree view of all of the events taking place during the Potato Drop.
Live music will be there, thanks to performances by Jeff Crosby, Matt Hopper and more. DJs will be keeping VIP guests dancing on with new dance music and 80's playlists.
The VIP experience will be capped off with stand-up comedy from Lady Bizness.
FAN FAVORITES RETURN AND OTHER EVENTS
The Big Air Rail Jam, a USASA-sanctioned event, returns for the third straight year, and features snowboarders showing off their skills in the giant quarter pipe.
Danny Spangler from McCall's Winter carnival returns again this year, bringing his 27 years of experience to create new and exciting ice sculptures to the Potato Drop.
The main stage will feature music and other entertainment for guests to enjoy from 3 p.m. to midnight.
Here's a map to guide you through all of the events and place to go during the Potato Drop.
