Portagers got a little bit starchy for the first time in two years over the weekend.

The Portage Potato Festival saw the community return to celebrating from across the province for the first time since COVID-19 graced us with its presence.

Leah Gravatt, plant administrator at McCain Foods, explains that it was a great to see people out and enjoy all things potato, including free fries and pickle spears from McCain.

"It's been a couple of years since we've been able to come out, and it's great to see everybody come out and see their smiling faces and give them free food."

Gravatt shares that her company had a great group of volunteers come out to help.

"It's a lot of prep trying to get everything ready and get everything organized, make sure we get everything and hopefully not forget anything."

She says her favourite part of the weekend was seeing all the smiles of people attending.

"Just being out in the community It's great because McCain has been part of Portage for over 40 years, and it's great to come out and help out and do these kinds of things," notes Gravatt.

The 18th installment of the Portage Potato Festival took place at Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park this past Friday and Saturday, August 5th & 6th.