Grainger County’s Annual Tomato Festival 2013
The Grainger County Tomato Festival is an institution that has become an integral part of the fabric of the community. Rutledge Middle School was the site of this year’s dance. The Open Range Dancers, from New Market, performed several different line dances and offered to teach some dances to the audience. A much anticipated street dance is a favorite part of the festival, as well as the more than 80 vendors, beauty pageant, tomato wars, and many other activities family friendly events.
The first of two tomato wars kicked off Saturday morning. The tomato wars are a big part of the tomato festival. Participants throw rotten tomatoes at the opposing people all while supporting a good cause. The funds raised from the tomato wars are donated to Grainger County Special Olympics. Each year people compete in this war, by throwing tomatoes at each other. Once hit by a tomato you are out of the game. The last person standing is the winner, however, the biggest winner is the charity that the event supports. The annual festival comes to Grainger County every July.
