A potato race may refer to several similar racing events where contestants compete to collect a number of potatoes as quickly as possible. Participants may be mounted on horseback or running on foot, depending on the style of race. Potato races of both types were most popular at community events such as county fairs, rodeos, picnics, and track and field meets from the middle of the 19th century until approximately the 1930s.
Mounted events were held in many locations across America, but were particularly prevalent in the American Southwest. Individual mounted events usually consisted of individuals competing to be the fastest at collecting potatoes along a structured course. Team-based events had no defined course, and were notable for their violence. Players were permitted almost every possible tactic for interfering with the opposing team, including dragging other riders off their horses.
Potato races, both on-foot and mounted, are occasionally still held at local gatherings or riding competitions today, although the violent mounted version has largely died out. –Wikipedia
Fiction Writing Prompt: Write a story or scene that revolves around an athletic event that you’ve created for your world.
Journaling Prompt: What is/was your favorite sport to participate in? What is the thing you enjoy most about it?
Art Prompt: Potato race
Non-Fiction / Speechwriting Prompt: Tell your audience about potato races or about another sport that has fallen out of favor today.
Photo: Potato race on Wikimedia
Original article: Prompt #5091 Potato Races.
