It’s time once again, the Grainger County Tomato Festival is set to kick off on Friday, July 17th in downtown Rutledge. This year marks the 33rd festival that celebrates all things tomato…especially the Grainger County tomato! While the festival committee promotes all the county’s agricultural products; they also promote many local artists, authors, performers, and craftsmen in the area.
The festival is held in July each year and takes place at 7480 Rutledge Pike, locally know as the Rutledge Middle School grounds. Each July, people from across the region and beyond eagerly await the chance to get their hands on the ever-so-popular Grainger County tomatoes. From eating delicious tomato sandwiches to canning a year’s supply of spaghetti sauce, get your taste buds ready and your truck bed empty to take home a bushel or two of some of the finest tomatoes around. If sadly, you don’t like to eat tomatoes, no problem, they got you covered…you can just throw them in the Tomato Wars Saturday morning!
This year’s festival begins with early shopping on Friday the 17th from noon until 6 p.m. on the festival grounds. After you have spent the afternoon shopping, join in the fun at 6:30 for another spectacular Grainger County Opry! Each year, the Opry features local talented performers singing and playing county, bluegrass, and gospel music, while others fill the stage with laughter while enticing the crowd’s participation. The Opry is one of the highlights of the festival and a great way to bring the community together for some clean, family fun! This year, the Opry will celebrate the 250th birthday of America and the 230th anniversary of Grainger County. Be sure to join in the fun inside of the Rutledge Middle School Gym.
After a fun-filled day at the festival, head back down to the festival grounds on Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. and enjoy another day out with friends and neighbors. Vendors of all kinds will be there selling produce, prepared food jewelry, crafts, food, treats, and more.
At 10 a.m., head on down to the baseball field and join the war…the Tomato War! No better way to start a day than getting clobbered by tomatoes…or is there? Not into being a tomato thrower’s target, then be sure to cheer on your favorite warrior. Not only is it fun, but all proceeds go to support Rutledge Middle School’s football team.
Living history displays and demonstrations will also be a large part of the festival. People dressed in period clothing will showcase what life was like during the Revolutionary War Era. Craftsmen will be set up, selling items like leather goods, iron tools, and wooden toys, while they demonstrate their craft and share their knowledge.
Entertainment will fill the main stage throughout the day. Talented authors, artists, craftsmen, merchandise vendors, food vendors, and lots of fresh produce will fill the grounds as you make your way through each area. There will also be bounce houses, inflatables, a dunking booth, and more for the kids to enjoy.
Reminisce about the good ole days as you stop by and admire the antique cars, tractors and watch and smell apple butter being made just like grandma did!
Like to line dance or always wanted to learn? Classes will be held throughout the day just for you! Grab your partner or a friend and do some boot scootin’.
Gas up you vehicle and head out for a weekend of entertainment and fun. It will be hot so stay hydrated. If you bring your pet, there will be watering and misting stations to help them cool off!
For more information go to www.graingertomatofestival.com.