The Grainger County Tomato Festival is back! After a one year hiatus because of the Coronavirus, Grainger County is hosting its 28th annual tomato festival on Friday, July 23rd and Saturday, July 24th at 7480 Rutledge Pike in Rutledge, TN. 1992 launched the first festival to, according to their website, “promote all Grainger County agricultural products, specifically the Grainger County Tomato, and to promote the many local artists, authors, talent, and craftsmen we have in our area”. This year’s schedule, however, will be a little different than in the past. First, the festival will last only for two days, but Friday is just open for the Grainger County Opry from 6:30pm-9pm. Friday’s Grainger County Opry will feature both country and gospel music, but the main stage has not been decided upon yet. Saturday, from 9am to 6pm, will be the lone actual day for the usual festival activities and festivities.
Saturday’s line-up will feature many familiar vendors. Of course, the festival would not be complete without several tomato growers all over the county showing off their juicy harvests. Another fan favorite coming back is the tomato wars; each year young participants engage in a dodge-ball like game with tomatoes as their “ball”. This year the proceeds from the “war” will benefit YOKE, a program that “helps transform communities by mentoring middle school students, equipping young leaders, engaging local churches, and enriching local schools” and serves “thirty-one schools across six counties in East Tennessee”. All day Saturday festival-goers will be able to nibble on snacks, shop for a variety of accessories, clothing, art, etc., and view craftsmen such as blacksmiths. In addition, Grainger County Festival is featuring a concert with Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. The award-winning singer is performing a complimentary concert; potential attendees must pick the tickets up at one of the following places: Sunfresh Produce, Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes, or the Tennessee Homegrown Festival Tent. This concert will be located across the street from the festival grounds and each person must bring a clear bag for his belongings and a chair to sit in.
This year the festival will have a new addition, the Grainger County Ridgerunners car club. This local club was founded in 1995 and most of its members own an antique car used for car shows and cruise-ins. The club’s motto is to “just have fun!”.
There are a few things that festival goers should remember before they attend. There will be water provided as well as cooling tents for people and pets. This is a family event, recognized as a top five festival by Parade Magazine; therefore, there are a few things participants must leave behind. There is no smoking and/or vaping allowed on the premises. Additionally, alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the festival or the concerts. The festival heads thank you saying, “Good Southern manners that will make your mamaw proud is all we ask for”.
Be sure and visit the festival’s website at graingercountytomatofestival.com for more information.