Staffordshire's beloved Spudman will be back in Rugeley this Saturday, offering free jacket potatoes to fans after his previous visit was postponed. The rearranged appearance comes after the original event was cancelled, much to the disappointment of locals who had queued for hours to taste his famous spuds.
Why was the visit rearranged?
The popular food vendor, whose real name is Craig McKenna, had been due to appear in Rugeley last month but was forced to pull out at short notice. Organisers cited unforeseen circumstances, though they were quick to reassure customers that a new date would be confirmed.
Now, the wait is over. McKenna, who has gained a massive following on social media for his generous portions and cheerful personality, will be stationed in the town centre on Saturday, serving up his trademark jacket potatoes with a range of toppings.
What to expect on the day
Fans are advised to arrive early, as queues are expected to be long. The free potatoes will be available from midday, and the event will run until the spuds run out, which organisers say could be sooner than many expect.
McKenna, who hails from nearby Stafford, has become something of a local celebrity, with thousands of followers tracking his daily location. His previous visits to Rugeley have drawn crowds of over 200 people, with some fans travelling from other parts of the Midlands to get a taste.
Community response
The announcement of the rearranged visit has been met with excitement on social media, with many locals expressing their relief that the event will go ahead. One resident told BirminghamWorld, "We were gutted when it was cancelled, but this has made our weekend."
The free potato giveaway is part of McKenna's ongoing tour of the West Midlands, which has seen him visit towns including Cannock, Tamworth, and Lichfield. He has also pledged to donate a portion of his proceeds to local food banks, a move that has endeared him further to the community.
Practical details for visitors
The event will take place at the Market Square in Rugeley, starting at 12pm. Visitors are advised to bring cash for any additional items, though the jacket potatoes themselves are free of charge. Parking is available at nearby car parks, and the town is well-served by public transport.
McKenna's visit is expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses, with many shops and cafes hoping to benefit from the influx of visitors. Previous events have seen a noticeable increase in footfall, and Saturday is expected to be no different.
For those unable to attend, McKenna has promised to announce future dates on his social media channels, ensuring that fans across the region will have another chance to sample his famous fare.
