HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Despite extreme drought conditions in Rockingham County, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market will proceed with the 4th Annual Tomato Fest on Saturday, August 31, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Turner Pavilion.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reported extreme drought in Rockingham County, marking the fourth driest June in 130 years, with a 2.57-inch decrease in rainfall. However, the spirit of resilience and community celebration prevails.

Established in 2020, Tomato Fest is a vibrant celebration of tomatoes. Activities include:

  • Chef S.J. Starr of the Joshua Wilton House bar is preparing tomato mocktails during the demonstration.
  • Tomato tastings
  • Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners offers hands-on educational activities for kids through the “Curiosity Corner.”
  • “Beautiful Tomato Contest” where vendors and community members enter their best-looking tomatoes.
  • Give-away basket with vendors’ goodies and tomatoes.
  • Tomato recipes
  • Tomato-themed products
  • Kids’ Tomato Scavenger Hunt

Many vendors sell heirloom tomatoes, special varieties cherished for their rich flavors, unique shapes, and vibrant colors, that are not found in typical grocery stores.

Here are some examples of heirloom varieties at Tomato Fest:

  • Blosser: A rare heirloom variety known for its large, juicy fruits and robust flavor with deep red color, prized for their rich, old-fashioned taste.
  • Lydia’s Orange: This heirloom produces bright orange tomatoes with a sweet and fruity flavor, great for adding color to salads and salsas.
  • Pineapple tomatoes: This heirloom variety has a unique yellow and red marbled flesh, offering a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of citrus, making them excellent for fresh eating.
  • Pink Berkley Tie Dye: These heirlooms have striking pink and green stripes with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They are visually stunning and perfect for fresh dishes.
  • Katy Heart: A heart-shaped tomato with a tender, meaty texture and a sweet, rich flavor, great for fresh eating and adding elegance to any plate.
  • Carbon: Known for their deep color and smoky flavor, and popular among heirloom enthusiasts. They are great for fresh eating, sauces, and salsas.

Amid the drought, there are ways to grow tomatoes. Festival goers can learn about drought-resistant tomato varieties and valuable tips including:

  • Plant early: The earlier a plant yields ripe fruit after planting, the less water it requires.
  • Plant determinate varieties: These require less water, fruit earlier, and low-water conditions result in sweeter tomatoes.
  • Plant deep: Deep planting helps tomatoes rely on winter rain moisture.
  • Plant small: Smaller plants need less water.
  • Plant your own: Homegrown tomatoes require less water than commercially grown and transported tomatoes.
  • Use mulch: Mulching conserves soil moisture.

Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers can shop with SNAP/EBT and double their benefits up to $30 for free fruits and vegetables.