EAGLE, ID, October 22, 2006 -- "Yes, Master, it's true," Barbara Eden and Dawn Wells will grant the wish of every fan when they meet attendees and pose for pictures at the Idaho Potato Commission's booth at this year's PMA Fresh Summit in San Diego.
The opportunity to work with Barbara Eden, known to many as Jeannie from the classic I Dream of Jeannie sitcom, came to the IPC similar to how Jeannie appeared in Major's life: Like an unspoken wish granted. It was actually IPC's long-time friend Dawn Wells that made the connection, suggesting the joint appearance with her good friend Barbara that would become the foundation for this year's show. Seth Pemsler, IPC Vice President Retail & International commented, "Two classic American icons as famous for their roles as Idaho is for its potatoes... It took about a second to determine this was a match made in heaven!" (Or perhaps in Jeannie's bottle?)
The IPC is proud of its continuing relationship with Dawn Wells, best known for her role as Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island, and recently entered its third year as a major sponsor of Wells' SpudFest Family Film & Music Festival. This relationship was also the catalyst for the Gilligan's Island cast reunion at the IPC's event for PMA 2004 in Anaheim, where many attendees had the opportunity to meet and interact with Bob Denver (Gilligan) and Russell Johnson (The Professor), as well as Dawn Wells. Sadly, Bob Denver passed away last year; this was his last public appearance.
Get in the picture with Jeannie & Mary Ann - IPC Booth Details
- IPC booth is #4705
- Sunday, October 22 Ð An original Jeannie's bottle from the set of I Dream of Jeannie will be on display. Raffle drawings; Drop off your business card beginning at 11am for a chance to win portable DVD Players and the entire first season of I Dream of Jeannie on DVD! Drawings will be on the hour, every hour from noon to 4:00 pm (five total).
- Monday, October 23 Ð Jeannie and Mary Ann will be on-site from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday, October 24 Ð Jeannie and Mary Ann will be on-site from 10:00 am -1:00 pm
- Photo opportunities are available on Monday and Tuesday. Bring a business card! (Photos will be sent electronically to the email address provided on a business card.)
Although Idaho is famous worldwide for its premium potatoes, some consumers don't realize that only potatoes grown in the Gem State can wear the "Grown In Idaho" seal. Both Idaho¨ Potatoes and the "Grown in Idaho¨" seal are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
