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Big Idaho Potato stops in Center Twp

Jason Schmitt and Cherlyn Beatty take a photo with the giant potato brought to the Ponderosa Steakhouse at Clearview Mall as part of The Famous Idaho Potato Tour, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle

Potatoes are a staple at Ponderosa Steakhouse in Center Township. Four-ton potatoes are not usually on the menu.

However, Tuesday, July 7, Ponderosa guests got to see a four-ton tater as the Big Idaho Potato came to town as part of the Famous Idaho Potato Tour.

If the giant spud were a real potato, it would take more than 7,000 years to grow. However, it would be the perfect way to feed a large crowd, as it would make 20,217 servings of mashed potatoes or nearly 1 million French fries, according to the Idaho Potato Commission, which sponsors the tour.

The tour, which started in 2012, promotes Idaho potatoes and raises money for small charities. At its Butler stop, the Potato Commission set up a signature board. The Potato Commission donated $1 to the Butler County Humane Society for every signature it collected, up to $500.

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