4th Annual Tomato Fest at Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market

As the hot summer sun continues to shine on Rockingham County, the Harrisonburg Farmers Marke is thrilled to announce that the 4th Annual Tomato Fest will proceed as planned on Saturday, August 31, from 8 AM to 1 PM at Turner Pavilion. Despite the extreme drought conditions that have gripped our region over the summer, the farmers are excited to celebrate their harvest.

This year’s Tomato Fest comes at a time when the U.S. Drought Monitor has reported extreme drought conditions, marking the 4th driest June on record over the past 130 years, with a significant decrease of 2.57 inches from normal rainfall. Despite the tough conditions, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market is pressing on, bringing together farmers, chefs, and tomato lovers to celebrate their delicious harvest.

Established in 2020, Tomato Fest has quickly become a favorite summer tradition. The festival is a celebration of local tomatoes, offering a variety of activities that promise fun for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to:

• Chef Demonstration: SJ Starr from the Joshua Wilton House bar will be crafting delicious tomato mocktails, showcasing the fruit’s versatility beyond the plate.
• Tomato Tastings: Sample a range of tomato varieties, each with its unique flavor profile.
• Curiosity Corner: Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will host hands-on educational activities for kids, making learning about gardening fun and interactive.
• Beautiful Tomato Contest: Vendors and community members will compete to showcase the most stunning tomatoes of the season.
• Giveaway Basket: Enter to win a basket brimming with goodies from our vendors, including a selection of juicy tomatoes.
• Tomato Recipes & Themed Products: Discover new ways to enjoy tomatoes at home and browse through tomato-inspired products.
• Kids Tomato Scavenger Hunt: A fun and engaging activity for the little ones.

Discover Heirloom Tomato Varieties

One of the highlights of Tomato Fest is the opportunity to explore a variety of heirloom tomatoes—special varieties that aren’t available at typical grocery stores. These tomatoes are known for their rich flavors, unique shapes, and vibrant colors. Some of the heirloom varieties you can expect to find at the festival include:

• Blosser: A rare heirloom known for its large, juicy fruits and robust flavor.
• Lydia’s Orange: Bright orange tomatoes with a sweet, fruity flavor—perfect for adding color to salads and salsas.
• Pineapple: A striking yellow and red marbled tomato with a sweet, citrusy taste.
• Pink Berkley Tie Dye: Visually stunning with pink and green stripes, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
• Katy Heart: Heart-shaped tomatoes with a tender, meaty texture and a sweet, rich flavor.
• Carbon: Deep, dark tomatoes with a complex, smoky flavor, ideal for fresh eating and sauces.

Growing Tomatoes in Drought Conditions

Despite the challenges posed by the drought, there are effective ways to grow tomatoes successfully. At Tomato Fest, you’ll have the chance to learn about drought-resistant tomato varieties and valuable gardening tips, such as:

• Plant Early: Early-yielding plants require less water.
• Choose Determinate Varieties: These need less water and often result in sweeter tomatoes.
• Deep Planting: Helps tomatoes tap into soil moisture from winter rains.
• Grow Smaller Plants: Smaller plants generally require less water.
• Homegrown is Best: Homegrown tomatoes typically need less water than those commercially grown.
• Use Mulch: Mulching is an excellent way to conserve soil moisture.

Supporting Our Community and Farmers

Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers shopping with SNAP/EBT can double their benefits up to $30 for free fruits and vegetables. This program helps ensure that everyone in our community can access fresh, nutritious produce, even during tough times.

Join us at Turner Pavilion on August 31, from 8 AM to 1 PM, to experience the best of what our local farmers have to offer—tomatoes in all their glory!

For more information, visit www.harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com, or follow the Harrisonburg Farmers Market on Facebook and Instagram.