R.I. to Honor Mr. Potato Head
Fri May 10, 8:08 AM ET

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Islanders may soon have a chance to honor their hometown spud with license plates featuring Mr. Potato Head.

The state Senate unanimously passed a bill Thursday to issue the plates in honor of the toy's 50th birthday. Mr. Potato Head was created in 1952 by Pawtucket, R.I., toy maker Hasbro Inc.

The plates would be available for two years only for an extra fee of $40. Half of the fee would go to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Other states have issued special license plates to raise funds for groups such as scouts and cancer awareness, or to honor college alumni or football teams, according to a Senate note on the bill.

"This is a nice combination of recognizing an icon unique to this state while raising money for a worthy local cause," said Senate Majority Leader William Irons.