Published: June 11, 2009
Melody Kinser
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The layout of the 31st Annual Tomato Festival will be a little different this year, with a focal point comparable to center stage.
When the biggest event in Hanover County gets under way on Saturday, July 11, the 2009 edition will feature a big tent.
Marcy Durrer, recreation program director for the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department, said “We’re doing kind of a new layout this year, where—in the center of the event—will be this big tent, where people can purchase their Hanover tomatoes and Hanover Tomato Festival event t-shirts.”
Also “under the big top” will be members of the Hanover County Employee Committee selling cookbooks with a featured section on Tomato Festival contest entrants from the past five years.
With hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Tomato Festival attracts as many as 40,000 people who come out to enjoy everything tomato.
A children’s area will offer free games, face painting and crafts, Durrer said. She described the crafts as “hands-on kind of stuff.”
Vendor confirmations for non-food products are at 154, with an additional 17 pursuing inclusion. But more are expected. “We’re looking at about 170 up to 200 vendors,” Durrer added.
Non-food items available at the Tomato Festival include “everything ranging from wood carved unique items like mirrors, mobiles, birds, that kind of stuff to potpourri to information on home gardening and horticulture,” said Durrer.
Author L.B. Taylor of Williamsburg will be taking part in the Tomato Festival, selling and signing copies of his book, “Ghosts of Virginia.”
Hanover-theme gift ware and jewelry also will be sold at the festival.
And, according to Durrer, those attending can partake in “the best fried green tomatoes.”
Speaking of food, this year’s Tomato Festival will have 16 vendors, which, she said, is “a little higher because we’re opening a second food court area, the children’s area.”
“Vendor space is going quickly,” she said. “If you’re interested, contact us now.
For more information, contact Durrer at 804-779-7948. The Web site for the Tomato Festival is http://www.hanovertomatofestival.com; there is a link for those wishing to submit e-mails.
Sponsors include The Mechanicsville Local, Herald-Progress, Geico, Verizon Wireless, Virginia Farm Bureau, Bank of Essex, Covenant Woods, and Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen.
Presenters include the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Station, Hanover County Parks and Recreation, the Herald Progress and The Mechanicsville Local.
