Potato Expo Looks For Funds

As the world’s leading potato producer, Bingham County is the most fitting place for the World Potato Expo. But four years after opening, the expo is struggling to pay the bills.

The expo provides visitors with a close look at the history and harvesting of potatoes. More than 90 percent of the visitors are tourists. It is popular with school and civic groups.

“We’ve doubled our admission every year,” director Nancy Bachelder said. “But admissions only counts for about 25 percent of our budget.”

Organizers appealed to the city for help twice this year, even collecting signatures of support from 200 residents. But their pleas were denied.