The Wisconsin Spudmobile, a 37.5-foot RV that serves as the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s travelling billboard and mobile education unit, recently received a facelift. The Spudmobile’s new exterior wrap debuts during the Grower Education Conference & Industry Show Feb. 5-6 at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point, WI.
“It’s very exciting that the Wisconsin potato and vegetable growers will get a firsthand look at the new wrap this week in Stevens Point,” said Dana Rady, director of promotions at the WPVGA. “With such a classy look, it will not disappoint.”
The new wrap tells a “field to fork” story with images of Wisconsin potato fields and prepared dishes of roasted red and golden potatoes, along with loaded baked russet potatoes. It also features the call to action, “Ask for Wisconsin Potatoes” and “Healthy Grown,” referring to Wisconsin’s sustainable and environmentally friendly grower program. And the back of the vehicle sports a Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes logo.
Darci Laudenbach of CC Graphics in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, designed, printed and installed the new wrap. It took her and her team about a week to remove the former wrap and print and install the new one.
“Having the opportunity to be part of the Spudmobile was such an honor,” said Laudenbach. “A lot of work happens behind the scenes to make something like this come to life. It’s exciting to see the final product and I can honestly say I am happy with the results.”
Rady added that she also couldn’t be happier with the results and that the update is a great way to celebrate another year on the road. Plus, more updates for the vehicle’s interior are planned for 2019.
The Spudmobile makes frequent appearances at locations throughout the Midwest, including stops at schools, community events and retailers who provide Wisconsin potatoes to their customers. It features eight different exhibits that take visitors on a journey from the farmer’s field to the dinner plate, while they learn about the various potato varieties grown in Wisconsin, how they are planted and harvested, along with nutritional facts and statistics about potatoes. Kids can also play games on an interactive touch table.
Established in 2014, the Spudmobile was developed by the WPVGA, a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the state’s 300 potato and vegetable grower members and affiliates.
“The Spudmobile is truly one of our most valuable assets in communicating directly with consumers about where their food comes from,” Rady said. “Updating the wrap is helping to keep the vehicle’s vitality alive as it continues to successfully educate people about potato nutrition, how and where potatoes are produced and the many ways to prepare healthy, easy and delicious Wisconsin potato dishes.”
