b'Turning Back The ClockA Look Back 25 Years Ago at Excerpts fromThe February 1996 Issue ofThe ValleyPotato Grower MagazineValley Potato Expo February ner, giving attendees a choice. a winter exhibition showing potato21st and 22nd machinery,chemicals,services,Petersonsaid,Asoursocietyis educational seminars, etc. in addi-The Valley Potato Expo, an annual becomingsohealthconsciousin tion to the Red River Valleys annu-tradeshowandeducationalpro- recent years, we want to help spread al summer Field Days.gram,willtakeplaceagainthis thewordthatthepotatoisamonthinGrandForks,North healthychoice.Peopleshould With hard work and foresight, theDakota. Scheduled for February 21st understand that you dont have to Valley Potato Expo became a realityand 22nd at the South Forks Plaza havealotoffatandcaloriesto and is now acclaimed as one of thePavilion, this years show is expect- makeagoodtastingpotatoprod- finestpotatoshowsinNorthingcloseto100exhibitorsand uct. America.Companyrepresentativesabout2,000peopleattending annually exhibit the latest innova-throughout the two day affair. tions in all areas of potato produc-tion, shipping and marketing. ThePeople attending the show this year unique blend of products and serv-will find an atmosphere of potatoes ices has enhanced the Valley Potatobeing promoted as a healthy food. Expo to attract growers and manu-Show manager, Doug Peterson, East facturersfromallovertheworld.Grand Forks, Minnesota, said they Exhibitors will travel from coast toarepromotingthepotatoasa coast to show their products.healthychoiceattheshowthisyear. He will have various materials Educationalsessionsorganizedbyexplainingthehealthyaspectsof extensionagentDuaneSargethepotatoandtheshowwillfea- Preston will take place in the morn-turefoodchoicesoflow-fatcon- ingsofthetwodayaffair.Topicstent. will cover precision farming, GlobalPositionSystems,soilsampling,Each year, attendees find numerous The Potato Expo typically brings in satellite imagery, equipment safety,kindsofpotatoesbeingservedin peoplefrommanyareasofthe winterseedtestresults,irrigation,various ways, ranging from potato United States. Its one of the largest soil fertility, and more.chips, to french fries, to potato ice potatotradeshowsintheUnitedcream, to baked potatoes with top- States.Theshowwasformedin There is no charge for entrance topings.Manyofthetypicalfood 1986 as an independent operation theshow.Receptionswillfollowchoices will be available again this byagroupofmeninthepotato bothdaysattheRamadaInninyear,butotherfoodswillbepre- equipment business. This group of Grand Forks.sented in a health conscious man- agribusiness people wanted to have16 POTATO GROWER FEBRUARY 2021'