40th Annual Tomato Fest set for Saturday, June 8
Mar. 26—Jacksonville will soon be enjoying the 40th annual celebration of its famous fruit, the tomato.
"The Chamber Board, Tomato Fest group, chamber staff and so many more are so excited to celebrate 40 years celebrating the rich history of Jacksonville," said Peggy Renfro, Chamber president. "It's a time to bring family and friends back home to celebrate and enjoy a fun weekend and celebrate the early season of the tomato harvest. So many people continue to drive for hours just to have a Jacksonville tomato as they are the best!"
Tomato Fest is slated for Saturday, June 8, along Commerce Street in downtown, featuring five city blocks packed with events, vendors, food and fun. From 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy the car show, tomato eating contests, talent contests, a farmer's market, kids zone and other entertainment.
Festival goers can also shop any of the 300 vendors expected to participate.
"Each year the festival continues to grow and we are preparing for the biggest and best ever." Renfro said Peggy Renfro. "The Chamber couldn't host a festival without the volunteers, sponsors and the city support and I know this is why it continues to grow."
Chamber President Dillon Rodriguez also commented on the event's growth.
"I really do believe this Tomato Fest will be the best one yet. We have seen constant growth in the event over previous years, and I have no reason to believe this year will not be any different," he said. "Peggy [Renfro], Kim [Felt], Ashley [Thompson] and all the volunteers do a great job year after year."
The day's events conclude with the Tomato Fest Street Dance from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Chili's. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy the entertainment of Brian Chance Band, Joint Custody and Don Louis, presented by Walter Wheeler Entertainment.
The Bloody Mary Contest will take place at 7:30 p.m. so competitors need to bring their non-alcoholic mix to enter. Chili's will provide the alcohol and cocktail glasses. The winner will receive a $100 gift card from Chili's.
The festival is just the culmination of a week-long celebration of activities occurring from June 1 through June 8.
The first event is the Jacksonville Education Foundation Fishing Tournament June 1 at Lake Jacksonville.
A new event, organized by the Rotary Club, is the Tour de Tomato, which will also take place June 1, at Jacksonville High School.
Other activities include the Tomato Fest Pageant, June 2; Family First Dodgeball Tournament, June 3;
Diced Cooking Competition, June 5, at the Kiepersol Salt Room; the Soccer Tournament, June 7 and 8, at the Historic Tomato Bowl and the Commerce Street Draft House Pre-Party, June 7.
"It's hard to choose one event that stands out over another during Tomato Fest week, but if I had to choose, I would say I look forward to dodgeball," Rodriguez said. "It takes me back to my school days and the money raised from that event supports local organizations."
In addition to all the activities, the Vanishing Texana Museum will showcase the history of the tomato industry Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 8.
For a complete listing of activities, or to register, visit the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce website, jacksonvilletexas.com.
For questions, call the Chamber at 903-586-2217.
