HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Harrisonburg Farmers Market announced its 6th Annual Tomato Fest taking place Saturday, August 1, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Turner Pavilion in downtown Harrisonburg.

This year, vendors are collectively growing nearly 50 different tomato varieties.

For Curtis Yenke of North Mountain Produce, his two children are in charge of the cherry tomato harvest, taking home the profits from their crop. In addition to cherry tomatoes, North Mountain produce reportedly offers a variety of slicers: Carolina Gold, Stripey, Purple Boy, Dark Star, and Cherokee Carbon, the latter three being purple tomatoes, a favorite of Yenke’s. “I’ll have cocktail tomatoes later this season, purple, yellow, and red,” said Yenke.

Tim Cupp of Low Hill Garden is looking forward to offering two types of slicers and two types of cherry tomatoes at Tomato Fest. “The slicers are heirlooms, Cherokee Purple and Valencia,” said Cupp. Heirloom tomatoes, special varieties that aren’t available at typical grocery stores are cherished for their rich flavors, unique shapes, and vibrant colors.

Cupp’s cherry tomatoes are Sakura and Sun Gold, a crowd favorite tangy orange variety. All of Cupp’s tomatoes are grown in the soil and are certified naturally grown, a peer-reviewed certification for farmers.

Founded in 2020, Tomato Fest has become a beloved annual tradition where flavor, fun, and local farming come together.

This year’s juicy lineup includes:

  • Chef Demo by Rachel FitzGerald, former head chef of Magpie Diner
  • Tomato Tastings featuring cherry tomatoes, paste tomatoes, and regionally grown heirlooms
  • Kids’ “Curiosity Corner” from the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners – play tic-tac-tomato and share your best tomato jokes
  • Giveaway Basket filled with market goodies and tomatoes
  • Locally “Sewn” Tomatoes – tiny hole in your shirt? Ice cream stain? Logo you’d like to cover up? Brightnook will be doing live visible mending with handmade tomato patches. The first 30 patches are free!
  • A limited supply of Tomato Fest tshirts
  • Tomato-Themed Market Products like Tomato pastries from Sweet McGee, bandanas from Thistle Hill Pet Treats, and embroidered tomato art from Southern Valley Quilts
  • Kids’ Tomato Scavenger Hunt – complete the hunt and earn a Market sticker!
  • Tomato-themed Dress Encouraged – dress to impress in your ripest tomato look! Wear red, don a cap with a leaf, or go big with a juicy tomato outfit!

Tomato Fest is free to attend and open to all ages.

For more information, visit Harrisonburg Farmers Market.