EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It's no secret Rhode Islanders love their quirky landmarks. That rings true for the nearly two-dozen Mr. Potato Head statues scattered across the Ocean State. The original "Birthplace of Fun" poster featuring the 47 Mr. Potato Head statues. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) But what's the story behind these Rhode Island relics? The 6-foot-tall fiberglass spuds date back to 2000, when the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation teamed up with Hasbro for the "Birthplace of Fun" tourism campaign. The 47 Mr. Potato Head statues were designed by local artists and dispersed across Rhode Island. The goal of the tourism campaign was to not only attract visitors to the state, but also encourage locals to participate in a year-long scavenger hunt. It's been more than two decades since then, and while most of the statues have either been donated, sold or vandalized, 12 News digital producer Sarah Doiron has discovered that more than half of them remain. So, which spuds are still around and which ones are still missing in action? Here are the remaining Mr. Potato Head statues that are still around in some capacity. (This list will be updated as more statues are located.) Spud Search Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head — Pawtucket, Rhode Island It wouldn't make sense to start anywhere other than Hasbro World Headquarters in Pawtucket. The classic Mr. Potato Head sits right outside of Hasbro's main entrance. His beloved partner Mrs. Potato Head keeps a watchful eye on him from her spot across the street. It's unclear whether the couple will stay in Pawtucket, however, if Hasbro decides to leave the state. Mr. Potato Head statue outside Hasbro World Headquarters. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Mrs. Potato Head statue outside Hasbro World Headquarters. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Mr. Potato Head — Providence, Rhode Island There's also a traditional Mr. Potato Head statue next to the carousel at Roger Williams Park in Providence. It's unclear whether he was part of the tourism campaign, but he sure does love high fives and having his photo taken, according to a nearby sign. Mr. Potato Head statue at Roger Williams Park. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Red Hot Potato — Warwick, Rhode Island This spud sits right outside the entrance of Day-O-Lite in Warwick. Though weathered and worn, he still graciously greets drivers who can see him from I-95 North, as well as those who visit the LED light manufacturer. Red Hot Potato statue outside of Day-O-Lite. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Sweet "P" Tato — East Greenwich, Rhode Island Donning a graduation cap with a colorful peapod smile, Sweet "P" Tato stands guard outside Sweet Peas Village in East Greenwich. The statue is a whimsical celebration of the children who go to the daycare center. Sweet "P" Tato statue outside Sweet Peas Village. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Bishop Potato — Warwick, Rhode Island Those who stop by the Apponaug Brewery may run into Bishop Potato, who sits on the back patio overlooking the Pawtuxet River. Bishop Potato was originally painted tan and stood outside the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island during the tourism campaign. Though it's unclear how he made his way to Warwick, he has since been painted blue and green and brings a pop of color to the brewery's industrial landscape. Bishop Potato statue at Apponaug Brewery. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Firefighter Potato — West Greenwich, Rhode Island This heroic spud proudly sits outside the Lake Mishnock Fire Department in West Greenwich. But it appears this Mr. Potato Head changed career paths after the tourism campaign, since none of the original 47 statues were painted to resemble a firefighter. His potato past remains a mystery. However, he does faintly resemble the Couch Potato that used to be housed at the GTECH Child Care Center, which closed its doors back in 2011. Firefighter Potato statue outside the Lake Mishnock Fire Department. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Mr. Energy — Providence, Rhode Island It's hard to miss Mr. Energy while driving down I-95 South in Providence. Perched atop the roof of Santoro Oil, he gleefully waves to everyone who passes by. Though he resembled a blue flame and held a gas truck proudly in his hand throughout the tourism campaign, this spud now sports the logo of the heating oil and propane provider that restored him to his former glory. Mr. Energy statue on display at Santoro Oil. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Hospitality Spud — Middletown, Rhode Island This sociable spud is beloved by the students and staff at J.H. Gaudet Middle School in Middletown. He was originally painted to resemble a pineapple, which is the symbol of hospitality. Though he kept his original design, the school's staff opted to remove the fronds on his head so he could be easily dressed up throughout the year. Hospitality Spud statue inside J.H. Gaudet Middle School. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Surfer Spud — North Kingstown, Rhode Island This Mr. Potato Head is still "hanging ten" at Suzanne M. Henseler Quidnessett Elementary School in North Kingstown. The state donated the statue to the school once the tourism campaign was over, and he's been there ever since. Surfer Spud statue inside Suzanne M. Henseler Quidnessett Elementary School. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Baking Potato — Providence, Rhode Island Inside of Johnson & Wales University's Culinary Arts Museum sits the Baking Potato. Wearing a chef hat and jacket, he enthusiastically waves to those walking among the exhibits. He was on display at The Arcade in Providence throughout the tourism campaign before permanently making himself at home in the museum. The museum is only open to students, so those who want to stop by must schedule their visit in advance. Baking Potato statue on display at the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Italian Chef Potato — Providence, Rhode Island Mama Mia! The Baking Potato isn't the only spud that calls the Culinary Arts Museum home. The Italian Chef Potato stands proudly inside next to one of the entrances with a giant pot of "spaghetti," which is actually recycled medical tubing. This spud spent most of his time at Angelo's Restaurant on Federal Hill before eventually making his way over to the museum. Italian Chef Potato statue on display at the Johnson & Wales Culinary Arts Museum. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Betty the Learned Elephant — Glocester, Rhode Island This spud pays homage to a traveling circus elephant, named Little Bet, who was shot and killed while visiting the town back in 1826. The statue was modified to resemble an elephant wearing a blue graduation cap. She was refurbished back in 2020 and spends most of her time behind Glocester Town Hall next to the 1867 Evans One-room Schoolhouse. Betty the Learned Elephant statue on display behind Glocester Town Hall. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Butterfly Queen — Exeter, Rhode Island Wawaloam Elementary School is home to yet another Mrs. Potato Head, though she has since been completely transformed from her original design. The Butterfly Queen was originally on display inside the Warwick Mall and resembled a young girl wearing bedazzled shoes and a pair of wings. The stylish spud was eventually donated to the school, which repainted her to resemble its mascot: the Wawaloam Bee. The statue, which sits just outside the school's entrance, still has her wings and is now wearing a gold tiara. Wawaloam Bee statue on display outside Wawaloam Elementary School. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Eric the Head — North Kingstown, Rhode Island Clad in a suit of armor, this Viking-themed potato now calls a North Kingstown man's backyard his home. Eric the Head spent the entirety of the tourism campaign on Bowen's Wharf in Newport. His current owner told 12 News he won the statue in a raffle years ago. The owner's daughter has touched up the statue's paint over the years, and although he's a bit rusty, he's still in great shape. Though he asked for his address to remain private, Eric's owner said the children who live in his neighborhood regularly wave to the spud while walking by his home. Eric the Head statue on display in North Kingstown. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Independent Potato — Johnston, Rhode Island Tucked away among piles of lumber, mulch and stones sits the Independent Potato. Though he's lost some of his luster over the years, he still resembles the Independent Man Rhode Islanders know and love, albeit in spud form. The statue mysteriously made its way to Green Solutions off of Plainfield Pike eight years ago, when the owner rescued him from a dumpster. The best time to visit him is during business hours and with the owner's permission, since he is kept behind a secured gate. Independent Potato statue outside Green Solutions. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) "Meet" and Potatoes — Portsmouth, Rhode Island While out grocery shopping in Portsmouth, shoppers will run into "Meet" and Potatoes. The bellhop sits near the entrance to Clements Marketplace. He was originally located inside the Newport Marriott Hotel throughout the tourism campaign. "Meet" and Potatoes statue outside Clements Marketplace. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Vino De "Vine" — Portsmouth, Rhode Island Clements Marketplace is also home to Vino De-Vine. This spud resembles a wine barrel covered in grapes and spent most of the tourism campaign greeting travelers at T.F. Green Airport. Vino is also named after Melissa Devine, who worked for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation throughout the tourism campaign. Vino De "Vine" statue outside Clements Marketplace. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Uncle Sam — Bristol, Rhode Island It's only fitting that the most patriotic spud is on display in the town that hosts America's Oldest Continuous Fourth of July Celebration. Uncle Sam spends most of his time safely tucked away in storage, outside the Benjamin Church Senior Center or overlooking Metacom Avenue from the front lawn of 1776 Liquors. But he makes a special trip once a year to close out the town's annual 4th of July Parade. Uncle Sam statue partaking in Bristol's annual Fourth of July parade. (Shaun Towne/WPRI-TV) Regular Joe — Warren, Rhode Island Rhode Islanders run on Dunkin', and so does Regular Joe. This caffeinated spud waves to everyone who stops by the Dunkin' on Metacom Avenue in Warren. Regular Joe is painted pink, orange and white to match the beloved coffee chain's logo, though he's a little faded in his old age. Regular Joe statue outside the Dunkin' on Metacom Avenue (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) Spud Light — Coventry, Rhode Island Western Coventry Elementary School students both new and old have fond memories of their mascot "Westie" — a brown owl that sits in the main lobby. But what many of those students don't know is that their beloved mascot used to be a Mr. Potato Head statue named "Spud Light." The statue, which spent the tourism campaign in Warwick, originally resembled a lighthouse. It was transformed into an owl after a former student donated it to the elementary school. Westie the Owl statue inside Western Coventry Elementary School. (Courtesy: Coventry Public Schools) Spud of Steel — Bellingham, Massachusetts Those driving past the Hilltop Farms in Bellingham have probably noticed the hard-working potato that's bolted to the ground in the parking lot. He's the Spud of Steel, and although he's weathered and worn, he still looks nearly the same as he did during the original tourism campaign. Despite no longer being a Rhode Island resident, the spud didn't go far. He's actually just over the state line and is available for photo-ops, preferably during business hours. The statue sat outside the Rhode Island Convention Center throughout the tourism campaign, and that is conveniently where the Bellingham store's owner reportedly picked him up after purchasing him online. Spud of Steel statue outside Hilltop Farms in Bellingham, Mass. (Brian Felsenthal/WPRI-TV) Thrifty Tater — Dresden, Maine To visit the Thrifty Tater, spud enthusiasts will need to take a road trip. Now painted to resemble the original Mr. Potato Head, the statue is displayed proudly outside of a home off of Cedar Grove Road in Dresden, Maine. The spud's owner told 12 News the statue was offered to him several years ago. He explained that his late wife was a huge fan of the tourism campaign and even took part in the scavenger hunt herself. The Thrifty Tater, which was once painted blue and resembled a vehicle, temporarily served as the mascot of the Thrifty Car Rental off of Post Road in Warwick. The owner of the rental car business added that the statue made a brief appearance at Kent Hospital, where it was painted over and given a blood pressure cuff. Thrifty Tater statue outside Thrifty Car Rental in Warwick. (Courtesy: Tom Celona) Thrifty Tater statue inside Kent Hospital. (Courtesy: Tom Celona) The spud's journey from Kent Hospital to Vacationland isn't exactly clear, however, his current owner said the statue is often used as a navigational tool. Even though he was recently offered money for the spud, the owner simply said: "He belongs here and money won't change that." He encourages everyone who drives by to stop and photograph his beloved buddy. Mr. Potato Head statue on display in Dresden, Maine. (Sarah Doiron/WPRI-TV) William Blackstone the Pilgrim — Belper in Derbyshire, England Not all of the spuds stayed stateside once the tourism campaign came to an end. William Blackstone the Pilgrim started a new life across the pond when he was gifted to Belper, which is Pawtucket's sister city in England. Unfortunately, he was not well received by the locals in his original form. The town opted to paint him to resemble the Mr. Potato Head everyone knows and loves, but that didn't deter the vandals from tipping him over and ripping his arms off. He's moved several times throughout his tumultuous life overseas and now resides in the De Bradelei Shopping Village. William Blackstone the Pilgrim in De Bradelei Shopping Village. (Courtesy: Belper Town Council) Where is Sunbaked 1966? Sunbaked 1966 at the Westerly State Airport. (Courtesy: Cindy Kelly) Sunbaked 1966 at the Westerly State Airport. (Courtesy: Cindy Kelly) Inside the terminal of Westerly State Airport used to sit a captivating spud adorned with dozens of colorful mosaic tiles. Decked out in a bikini, sunglasses and flip flops, Sunbaked 1966 was created on Block Island and stayed there throughout the tourism campaign. The Mrs. Potato Head statue moved to the mainland afterward and spent years waving to everyone from the tarmac. But she has since vanished without a trace. Cindy Kelly, the artist who created the stylish spud, told 12 News she learned the statue had been hauled away for repairs when she visited the airport last year. "I was kind of disappointed no one had tried to reach out to me," Kelly said, adding that even though she moved to Maine in 2021, she still has plenty of family and friends living in the Ocean State. Though Kelly hopes her beloved spud is still out there somewhere, she doesn't have high hopes. "Sadly, I suspect Sunbaked is a gone girl," Kelly explained. "She could be a little hard on the eyes for some, especially if you had to see her every day." "There is a possibility some mosaic artist or tile worker out there has her captive in a dusty corner of their workroom," she continued. "More likely, she is resting at the bottom of the Johnston landfill ... But it would be nice to imagine someone, somewhere is still enjoying her." Do you know where Sunbaked 1966 went? Email 12 News digital producer Sarah Doiron at [email protected]. Other known spuds There are a number of statues that 12 News has confirmed their existence, but has not been able to secure a photograph of. Colonel Hedley Russet — Newport Those driving along Hillside Avenue in Newport may have spotted a spud on the front lawn of a house near Miantonomi Park. The woman who lives there told 12 News she inherited that statue, formerly named Colonel Hedley Russet, from her father after he passed away. Though she used to prominently display the spud on her property, she moved him off of her front lawn after he was vandalized last year. Until she can find someone to reaffix his arms, she said the statue will remain tucked away. Mr. Potato Head Golfer — Smithfield This spud was acquired by the owner of Antiques Alley, who confirmed to 12 News that he still has it in storage. The original statue, believed to be an avid golfer, swapped hobbies and was repainted to resemble an auctioneer. His name is now "Antique Al" and he only comes out for meet and greets on special occasions. Mr. Potato Head Bulb and Common-tater — Warwick These two statues used to sit on the roof of a retail building off of West Shore Road. The spuds are owned by Kent County Electrical Services, which has an office in that building. The owner told 12 News he took the potatoes down and locked them away, explaining that both are in "rough condition" from having sat atop the building for so long. He hopes to one day put them back out, but not before he at least attempts to restore them. What happened to the rest? Melissa Devine remembers standing on the sidewalk chuckling with a Providence officer more than 20 years ago. Devine, who worked for the state during the "Birthplace of Fun" campaign, was filing a police report after learning that Prints Charming had been stolen from outside of The Providence Journal. "'What do I write, missing potato?'" she recalled the officer asking her. Devine said the spud was later found in the middle of the quad at Brown University. Prints Charming was far from the only Mr. Potato Head statue to be targeted by vandals. Devine distinctly remembers fielding calls about hooligans prying jewels off of the bedazzled Sparking Spud, and investigating why Eric the Head's arm was found floating in Newport Harbor. Devine couldn't put an exact number on it, but estimated that 10 of the original 47 statues were damaged. She wound up spearheading the so-called "MASH" unit, which cared for the damaged spuds and tried to bring those responsible to justice. The Pizza Potato in particular, which once sat outside Caserta Pizza on Federal Hill, was vandalized beyond repair. The statue's remains were hauled way by Hasbro a few years ago, according to the pizza shop. The vast majority of the statues that didn't stay put, Devine said, were either donated, auctioned off or tucked away for safe keeping. Though she's unsure exactly where every single statue wound up, Devine would love to find out. "Those spuds were my buds back in the day," she said. If you know what happened to any of the remaining Mr. Potato Head statues, email 12 News digital producer Sarah Doiron at [email protected]. Be sure to also follow @RIspudsearch on Instagram to join the hunt! Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Good News SIGN UP NOW