50 YEARS OF BLOOMSDAY WITH POTATOES POWERING EVERY STEP

This year marked a major milestone as Spokane celebrated the 50th running of Bloomsday, and what a celebration it was! Nearly 40,000 participants laced up their running shoes, representing all 50 states and 10 different countries. In addition to the participants, thousands of cheering spectators and supporters lined the course, showcasing the strength of community.

Right in the middle of all that excitement was the Washington State Potato Commission booth, once again a crowd favorite where we proudly handed out 10,000 pounds of Washington russet and red potatoes in 5-pound bags to eager racegoers. From seasoned runners to first-time participants, everyone was thrilled to grab their bag of Washington-grown goodness. As always, the enthusiasm was contagious, and our booth stayed busy from start to finish.

This year, we continued the beloved tradition of “Carb Corner,” teaming up with WA Grown, WA Grains, and Turf Grass to create one of the most popular stretches at the entire event. It was a true celebration of Washington agriculture, fueling bodies, supporting communities, and showcasing the power of local food.

But beyond the numbers and the crowds, the most meaningful moments came from the conversations. Attendees shared heartfelt stories about receiving potatoes directly from local farmers and expressed genuine gratitude for the work being done to support agriculture across our state. We also heard a familiar point of pride repeated again and again from enthusiastic supporters, “Did you know Washington grows more potatoes per acre than Idaho?”  Washington growers don’t just feed people, they inspire loyalty, pride, and connection for the Bloomsday community.

For 50 years, Bloomsday has brought people together through movement, community, and determination. And for 8 years WA potatoes have been there to fuel the racers!

Here’s to the next 50 years of Bloomsday… and to keeping everyone Powered by Potatoes!