Museum plans Spud Fest fundraiser

LaRue Hot Springs Museum is hosting their annual Spud Fest fundraiser Sunday, April 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hot Springs Senior Center on Main Street. According to LaRue Hot Springs Museum president Christine Walsvick, the focus of the event is to enjoy warm food and conversation with family and friends.

“I am very excited that we are hosting the event this year,” Walsvick said. “We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback through the grapevine that people are looking forward to attending. The spring fundraiser was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic. The last Spud Fest was in the spring of 2019. Prior to that, the Spud Fest was a beloved tradition that took place annually at the senior center since 2008.”

Baked potatoes plus all the toppings will be $7 per person and a family of four can eat for $20. Walsvick says for those who are experiencing hard times, price adjustments can be made. The spud dinner will also include salad, cake and a beverage. A silent auction will start at 3:30 p.m. The items in the auction are provided by Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce businesses.

“I started the Spud Fest in 2008, the year the museum opened to the public,” said Norah Potts with LaRue Hot Springs Museum and Spud Fest organizer. “We chose potatoes because we were searching for something that would suit both vegetarian and carnivore palates.”

Funds raised will benefit the museum for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In the past, Spud Fest fundraisers have raised between $1,700 and $1,900 each year. “In 2019, I believe we sold 94 spud dinners and had a successful auction,” Potts said.