Over $30,000 Raised for Boise Child Injured at Idaho Potato Drop

It's a tradition that takes over the internet and occasionally, the late night talk show humor each winter. Something so Idaho, there's no other way to describe it.

Its the Idaho's Potato Drop--the annual 'dropping' of a large, glowing, potato that rings in a brand new year. A 'tradition' now older than a decade, it's the crux of many jokes and the staple of many families -- all at once.

This past year, 2026, was no different. At least not intentionally.

Videos almost immediately took over the internet as soon as the potato dropped to ring in 2026--a massive 'firework explosion' that seemed a little more violent than may have been intended. In fact, most folks sharing footage from the 'boom' were pre-maturely calling it a 'malfunction' -- assuming that it was not supposed to look or sound that violent.

Hours after the firework show, the public began to learn more. Windows were blown out and a small local child named Bella was rushed to the hospital with injuries from flying glass.

In true Boise fashion, it only took minutes for a GoFundMe to assist the little girl and her family with medical bills and recovery. She was in surgery for over 3-hours as local medical professionals worked to care for her following the unfortunate accident.

Now just 17 days into the new year--the community continues to pour support towards the cause.

At the time of publishing this article, the page has raised $30,222!

In an update on the GoFundMe made for the child, family said the following:

I wanted to share a moment from yesterday that brought so much relief and light to Isabella and her family. Bella’s Auntie Jordan, a stylist at One 3 Salon in Nampa, offered to open the salon during off hours to gently help wash Bella’s hair. At home, it had been too difficult to remove the blood without getting her face wet, so her aunt stepped in with so much love and care. Being the only ones in the salon made a huge difference for Bella. The quiet space meant no loud dryers, no crowds, and no questions, just calm, patience, and familiarity for her first public outing.

The organizer of the fundraiser continued to thank the many folks that have both donated and checked in on Bella over the last couple of weeks.

A recent update from a local television station shared that Boise Police and Boise Fire are still investigating the firework show and until that is concluded, there will be no update on what happened there.

See the GoFundMe for yourself or learn more about donating to the child's cause, HERE.