The UTZ Potato Chip Factory

     

      For us and parents through out the land potty training our boy has been a total nightmare, um adventure. So when he started to turn the corner we decided to reward him with a better than average potty treat.

     One of the tools we used to get him interested in even sitting on the toilet was our laptop and YouTube. For hours a day Jack and I sat and watched uploads of railroad crossings and episodes of How It's Made. You know, like the end of Mister Rogers where he showed us of a video of where things came from. Jack and I can tell you how pencils are made, crayons, gold chains, ATV's, Modulated homes etc...etc.

     Sometimes during the most mundane moments, such as me eating potato chips in front of the boy our best idea are given to us. “How are potato chips made?” Jack asked enthusiastically. Light Bulb! “Would you like to see how they are made..up close” I asked “Yes!!” Jack replied as he gasped.  So we made a potty chart, and when he gave us five #2's we would go to see how potato chips are made.   

     This trip really depended on locale, we are located less than an hour from Hanover Pa, home of UTZ potato chips and Snyders Pretzels. Ultimately I chose UTZ's b/c you have to schedule a tour at Snyders and UTZ had a self guided gallery tour, that was free of charge.

A very unassuming entrance adds an element of authenticity.

     The facility itself can be a little hard to find in Hanover, a classic blue collar Pennsylvania town with spectacular Victorian style houses at the city center with it's major manufacturing facilities dotted on the out skirts. One wrong turn and you will find yourself heading into farm country and you'll know you've headed the wrong way. (I got lost).

     The facility is straight forward and small. In fact they have only two dedicated parking spaces for the tour itself. The entrance has a small display of the original potato slicer the Utz's used to make chips in their summer home back in 1921. On the 2^nd floor there is another small display that showcases the history of the Utz Chip and the products they make. There is no one to greet you, they are not kidding when they say “Self Guided”.

     The tour leads you to the observation gallery where you see the Potato chip process from the raw unpeeled potato to the warehouse the chips are stored for shipping. To an adult no big deal. But to our boy it was amazing. He stood for the 1^st few minutes wide eyed as he watched the workers sort the potato's put them on the conveyor belt, into the slicer, on to the fryer, up the tiny elevators, under the flavor sorter and into the different bags. He liked it so much he went back and forth to watch the process a couple of times. After about 15 minutes he had had enough and wanted to go back to the car. On the way out you can pick up a free sample of regular Utz chips. And home we went. A nice half day trip, no stress.  If I could some it up in one word, it would be Authentic.

Jackson Enjoying His Free Sample

      Now before you say it to yourself let me offer that this may not be the most exciting idea for a day trip. But you would be surprised at how rewarding it was to see his face watching things happen. And this is a great trip to spark your child's curiosity.

     If you live in the D.C. Area I wouldn't suggest you make the trip just for the tour. But you can easily combine it with a trip to Gettysburg National Battlefield or the outlet mall nearby. For those of you that have a Mommies group, you can schedule a tour with Snyders for the same day to get more bang for your buck.

     For others that are further away, what do they make near you? Is there a product you have always enjoyed? Most likely they offer some sort of tour, and it's just as likely that the offer it for free.

    These tours are a great way to connect your children with your local history and culture without putting a dent in the wallet.  So look around with them, see what you find with them, and explore with them.