Manhattan Cancels Annual Potato Festival; Plans Classic Car Show

The Manhattan Potato Festival, a fun family event that celebrates Manhattan's rich potato farming history, has been canceled indefinitely.

As a resident of Manhattan, this absolutely breaks my heart. The Manhattan Potato Festival is one of my favorite events of the year. I always look forward to the pancake breakfast and all of the fun activities.

According to the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, the first Potato Festival was held in 1987 and saw 400-500 visitors. In 2018, more than 4,000 people attended the festival.

The 2020 Manhattan Potato Festival was canceled due to COVID-19 constraints, and many people were looking forward to its return in 2021, but it sounds like it's done for good.

After assessing the direction and financial obligations of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, the new board of directors have decided to axe the annual Manhattan Potato Festival, and have devised a more cost-effective solution. The new board determined the financial cost, labor and resources needed to facilitate the Annual Potato Festival exceeded the Chamber's current capabilities

Instead of the potato festival, the chamber will host the Manhattan Classic Car Show & Farm Fun. According to the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, there will be live music, food vendor, and activities that celebrate the agricultural roots of the Manhattan area.

Honestly, it doesn't sound much different. However, plans for a parade were not included in the statement by the chamber. The Manhattan Classic Car Show & Farm Fun is scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will take place at Manhattan Elementary School, located at 416 North Broadway.