Grainger County Tomato Festival
It is about to get delicious in Grainger County!
Grainger County Tomato Festival is going to be a delicious way to spend a summer weekend! This Smoky Mountain event was organized in 1992 to promote world famous Grainger County Tomatoes. The mission is to promote all Grainger County agricultural products, specifically the Grainger County Tomato, and to promote local artists, authors, talent, and craftsmen.
Many special events have been added this year making the festival one of the largest free festivals in East Tennessee. Parade magazine named the Tomato Festival one of the top ten festivals in the USA. This family friendly event is alcohol free and attendees are expected to use good southern manners. The annual event is the last weekend in July in Rutledge,Tennessee.
Pets are welcome at the Tomato Fest but remember it occurs in late July and it will be HOT. There will be watering stations and misting tents on the festival grounds to help you and your furry friend keep cool. Remember to pick up after your pets and deposit their love in the nearest garbage can.
The annual art contest will get your creative juices flowing. If you wish to enter the contest bring your entries to the elementary school on Friday July 27th by 3:30 ready to hang unless it is 3D. There are several categories to enter for both children and adults. Please limit three per artist. Be sure to fill out the provided tags to identify your piece when dropping it off. Judging will be at the end of the day and the winners will be displayed Saturday.
The 4th annual Concert Series is headlined by none other than Trace Adkins! The show will be held on the middle school football field Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the show is the nice price – FREE!
Charles the pig will be attending the festival and rooting around for a good time! Charles is the miraculous survivor of The Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire. Charles will be selling his books, art work, stuffed animals and what ever else he decides to make to help raise money for his family to rebuild their home. You can keep up with Charles and see how his family is doing on his Facebook page, Charles The Pig.
Story telling is a Tennessee tradition and Harry Bumgardner, a member of the Sons of the Revolution, will be on hand spinning a tale or two. Harry knows everything a man needs to know about the early history of America and loves to share his knowledge. His mesmerizing tales are a favorite with young folks! In addition to telling stories he will demonstrate his flint lock rifle. After spending time with Harry be sure and visit the long hunter’s camp located near the Living History area.
A working blacksmith will be on hand where you can learn what it is like to make your own tools at the forge. The blacksmith will be returning for the 8th consecutive year. He is the owner of Homegrown Forge, and makes many unique items including railroad spike knives, equipment for outdoor cooking and more. He will be working under the big tree in the Living History. He is always happy to answer questions about blacksmithing.
The infamous Tomato War is a must for every festival attendee! Choose sides, grab a bushel and get it on! This crowd pleaser is bound to satisfy your hankerin’ for maters. This year The Tomato Wars is a fund raiser for God’s Planet for Haiti.
God’s Planet for Haiti (GP4H) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Maryville, Tennessee and received a charter from the State of Tennessee in March of 2010. GP4H is also recognized in Haiti as an international non-profit organization.
