If you find three six-foot tall Mr. Potato Heads in Rhode Island this summer (2000), you could win a treasure chest full of family toys. Fortunately, dozens of Mr. Potato Heads have sprouted up across the Ocean State... and they're not hiding very well . In fact, if you keep your eyes peeled, you're bound to spot a spud or two on your Rhode Island travels. Bruce and I, along with About.com Casino Gambling Guide Bill Burton and his wife, Sandy, found a whopping 13 on a recent drive through Rhode Island, and we'll take you along on our Potato Head Pilgrimage.
But let me back up for a sec... why are there six-foot tall Mr. Potato Heads all over Rhode Island? And why are most of them far different in appearance from the classic tater with the interchangeable appendages in this photo?
Mr. Potato Head, that lovable toy star of television and movies, is one of Rhode Island's native sons--he's manufactured by Pawtucket-based Hasbro. And while he's entertained children of all ages since 1952, this is the first time he's been tapped by his fellow Rhode Islanders for official duties. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond recently officiated over a special ceremony during which Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head were sworn in as Rhode Island's Family Travel ambassadors. And, to help make sure that all eyes are on the new dignitaries, the Rhode Island Tourism Board enlisted the aid of local artists to deck out dozens of Mr. Potato Head sculptures and scattered their ingenious creations from Richmond to Block Island for visitors to "find."
Find just three of the statues from this eclectic crop, pick up an official entry form available at Visitor's Centers in Block Island, Bristol, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Wakefield, or Warwick, and you just might win a treasure chest full of toys. And, if you can't make it to Rhode Island this summer, you can still join us on a virtual quest for Mr. Potato Head in his many clever incarnations.
Ready to spot some spuds?
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Click Here to begin the virtual Potato Head Pilgrimage
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