Tomatoes ready to take center stage at third 'Tomadah Paradah'

A veritable parade of tomatoes in a rainbow of colors and myriad of shapes, sizes and tastes will be featured Aug. 18 at the third annual Tomadah Paradah, from 6-8 p.m., at the Wilmington College Farm on Fife Ave.

The event is designed to appeal to the entire realm of tomato-lovers — from true aficionados of the locally grown summer fruit to casual consumers of BLTs.

It will feature most of the 202 varieties of tomatoes being grown this summer at WC by agriculture professor Monte Anderson, farm manger Randy Gerber and their student workers.

Wilmington College, Swindler & Sons Florist, General Denver Hotel and Grille, and the Clinton County Farm Bureau are co-sponsoring the event.
Those attending the Tomadah Paradah will have an opportunity to taste dozens of varieties of tomatoes, in addition to hear expert commentary and tour the College Farm’s tomato groves. Also, competitions will be featured.

For the home-grower, prizes will be awarded for the heaviest tomato — last year’s winner topped three pounds — as well as the most delicious salsa and best-tasting tomato and cherries.

Swindler & Sons will be weighing tomatoes at their Garden Center through Aug. 17, at noon, with the final opportunity for weighing set for 6 to 7 p.m., at the Tomadah Paradah. Those interested in the other contests can bring their salsa or entries for best tasting tomato or cherries to Swindlers Aug. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The winners of the heaviest tomato and best-tasting tomato will each receive a $100 prize from Swindler & Sons and a year’s Farm Bureau membership, while the prize for the best salsa is dinner for two at the General Denver and a $50 prize from the Farm Bureau.

The winner for best-tasting cherries will take home a quilt donated and made by Pat Swindler.

Another attraction will be the Tomadah Paradah 5K Run/Walk. Competitors can register at the College Farm that evening prior to the 6:30 p.m. start of the race. Registration is $15 and includes a T-shirt.

Also featured at the event will be tables staffed to provide information on the Farm Bureau, Clinton County Master Gardeners, Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), Grow Food, Grow Hope and the Clinton County Homemakers, the latter of which will be speaking on canning and freezing fresh fruit and vegetables.