Famous Grainger Co. Tomato Festival coming soon
By Mike Steely
If you’ve never attended the Grainger County Tomato Festival, you’ve missed one of the region’s largest free events. It’s coming on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, and it’s our neighboring county’s opportunity to show off and entertain.
The festival kicks off its 32nd year on that Friday at noon until 6 p.m., with the Grainger County Opry running from 6:30 to 9 p.m. that day. On Saturday, the festival starts at 9 a.m. and will end at 6. The event is located at 7480 Rutledge Pike at Rutledge Elementary and Middle School. If you plan to attend, you probably should arrive early. Parking is available, but the festival is usually very well attended.
The family-friendly event will have many local crafts, art, produce, jewelry and chocolate vendors. The annual Tomato Wars start at 10 a.m. Saturday, where individuals and teams actually throw ripe tomatoes at each other. Even if you don’t take part, it’s a fun and camera-worthy battle. Revenue goes to the middle school football team.
There will be a blacksmith exhibit and speakers and authors featuring Angel Kitts, Lin Stepp, Robert McGinnis, Betty Martin, Jim Claborn, Don Sheradon, Ken Coffey and the Grainger County Historical Society. The Grainger County Opry takes place Friday evening starting at 6:30 p.m. in the middle school gym.
Children will enjoy games and contests, plus rides on the Kerbela Shriners’ Elmo Train.
Storyteller Harry Bumgardner will share stories of the American Revolution at the long hunter’s camp near the Living History area. There is also a wide selection of food, produce, and, of course, Grainger County tomatoes.
Your pets are welcome and there will be watering stations and misting tents for you and your pets to cool down. On Saturday, the Ridge Runners Car Club will be there with a wide variety of antique and classic vehicles.
The festival has been recognized as one of the top festivals in the nation, and the idea is to promote the county and its many local artists, authors, talent and craftsmen.
From Knoxville, the best way to reach the festival is to take Rutledge Pike north, pass through downtown Rutledge, and look to the right as you approach the schools. If you wish, after the festival, you can continue up the pike, or Highway 11W, to historic Tate Springs and Bean Station along the lake and then turn south on Highway 25W to Morristown, Highway 11E through Jefferson City, New Market and Strawberry Plains to Knoxville.
You can find more information online at www.graingertomatofestival.com or on Facebook. You may email the event at gctomatofestival@gmail.com or call (423) 438-7715.
