Tater Tots, one of America's most beloved frozen foods, was invented in 1953 by two enterprising brothers in Ontario, Oregon. Tater Tots, under different names, are now produced by different companies around the world—as Potato Gems and Potato Royals in New Zealand and Australia; Tasti Taters and Spud Puppies in Canada; as Mat-gamja in Korea; and in the United Kingdom as Oven Crunchies and Mashtags, "potato shapes for the social media generation." Tater Tots have been featured in movies such as Napoleon Dynamite (2004) and Venom (2018) and are the center of the unofficial state dish of Minnesota—Tater Tot Hotdish, a ground beef casserole topped with Tater Tots.….and to think, it all started in Ontario, Oregon!
The Tater Tots Festival
The Tater Tots Festival began in 2021, dreamed up by Revitalize Ontario! founding members Charlotte, Marty, Sherri, and other dedicated community members. Their vision? To celebrate Ontario, Oregon – The Birthplace of Tater Tots! Since then, this annual event has blossomed, bringing more food vendors, exhibitors, live music, and an amazing community together. Join us every fall on the third Friday and Saturday of September in Ontario, Oregon, to celebrate with us!
