Klamath Basin Potato Festival

The 88th Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival celebrates agriculture, community, and the region's farming heritage with the theme "Stars, Stripes, and Spuds." Farmers, families, and potato lovers from across southern Oregon and northern California gather for a weekend of parades, contests, food, music, and family fun.

Friday, October 17: Exhibit and vendor setup from 8 a.m. to noon, followed by public hours from 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, October 18:

• 8 a.m. — Tater Trot registration (near Old Barn at Front and Main streets)
• 9 a.m. — Tater Trot run begins; Free Merrill Health Fair opens at Merrill Civic Center (runs until 3:30 p.m.)
• 9:30–10:30 a.m. — Parade registration at Merrill Presbyterian Church
• 11 a.m.–noon — Potato Festival Parade
• Noon–3:30 p.m. — Free community lunch hosted by Merrill Lions Club and Basin Fertilizer & Chemical Co. (while supplies last); live music and beer garden at adjacent football field
• 1 p.m. — Peel-a-Bucket of Potatoes contest at Civic Center field
• 3 p.m. — Raffle drawing

The Klamath Basin produces approximately 7,000 acres of Oregon's potato crop. This event, first held in 1934, is recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition and honors the region's 100+ year history with potatoes. The festival is free and open to the public.