Despite extreme drought conditions in Rockingham County, the Harrisonburg Farmers Market is excited to announce that the 4th Annual Tomato Fest will proceed as planned on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The Fest will be held at Turner Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The U.S. Drought Monitor has reported extreme drought conditions in Rockingham County, marking the fourth driest June on record in the past 130 years, with a significant decrease of 2.57 inches from normal rainfall. However, the spirit of resilience and community celebration prevails.
“My tomatoes fruited two weeks earlier than normal because of all the heat, so that could mean that the season will be shorter this year. Also, too much heat can cause blossom end rot. We’ve been seeing a bit of that,” North Mountain Produce said.
According to Ulmer’s Mountain View Farm, their tomato crop required a lot of water, but did fairly well through the drought.
“We have our tomatoes on drip irrigation from a well which thankfully has been supplying water steadily. Our tomatoes have been producing since May and are now nearing the end of their production cycle. We have had a good crop this year,” Wood’s Edge said.
Established in 2020, Tomato Fest is a vibrant celebration of tomatoes. Activities include:
Chef demonstration with SJ Starr of the Joshua Wilton House bar who will be preparing tomato mocktails
Tomato tastings
Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners “Curiosity Corner” hands-on educational activities for kids
Beautiful tomato contest where vendors and members of the community will enter their most beautiful tomatoes
Giveaway basket stocked with vendors goodies and tomatoes
Tomato recipes
Tomato themed products
Kids tomato scavenger hunt
Many vendors sell heirloom tomatoes, special varieties that are not available at grocery stores. Heirloom tomatoes are cherished for their rich flavors, unique shapes and vibrant colors.
Examples of heirloom varieties you can expect to find at Tomato Fest:
Blosser: A rare heirloom variety known for its large, juicy fruits and robust flavor. Blosser tomatoes have a deep red color and are prized for their rich, old-fashioned tomato taste.
Lydia’s Orange: This heirloom produces beautiful, bright orange tomatoes with a sweet and fruity flavor. Lydia’s Orange tomatoes are great for adding a splash of color to salads and salsas.
Pineapple: Named for its tropical appearance, Pineapple tomatoes have a unique yellow and red marbled flesh. They offer a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of citrus, making them excellent for fresh eating.
Pink Berkley Tie Dye: These tomatoes have striking pink and green stripes, with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor. They are visually stunning and perfect for fresh dishes where their unique appearance can shine.
Katy Heart: A heart-shaped tomato with a tender, meaty texture and a sweet, rich flavor. Katy Heart tomatoes are great for fresh eating and add a touch of elegance to any plate.
Carbon: Known for its deep, dark color and complex, smoky flavor, Carbon tomatoes are a favorite among heirloom enthusiasts. They are excellent for fresh eating, sauces, and salsas.
Amid the drought, many ways exist to grow tomatoes successfully. At the festival, you can learn about drought-resistant tomato varieties and valuable drought tips such as:
Plant Early: The earlier a plant yields ripe fruit after planting, the less water it requires.
Plant Determinate Varieties: These varieties require less water, fruit earlier, and low water conditions result in sweeter tomatoes.
Plant Deep: Deep planting helps tomatoes rely on soil moisture from winter rain.
Plant Small: Smaller plants need less water.
Plant Your Own: Homegrown tomatoes require less water than commercially grown and transported tomatoes.
Use Mulch: Mulching conserves soil moisture effectively.
Thanks to Virginia Fresh Match, customers can shop with SNAP/EBT and double their benefits up to $30 for free fruits and vegetables.
Join the Harrisonburg Farmers Market and celebrate the resilience of local farmers and the bounty of delicious tomatoes, even in challenging times.
Since 1979, The Harrisonburg Farmers Market has provided the public with easy access to fresh, nutritious, locally produced agricultural goods and crafts of the highest quality. A community of 50 vendors, the market is a hub for entrepreneurship for regional farmers and artisans. In addition to promoting low-waste practices and buying local, the market, in partnership with Harrisonburg Public Works and Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, supports environmental stewardship by providing opportunities for recycling and composting.
Market hours are:
Spring/Summer/Fall Market: Tuesdays & Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April – Thanksgiving)
Sunset Market: Every third Thursday 5 to 8 p.m. (June – September)
Holiday Market: First 3 Saturdays in December 9 a.m. to noon
Winter Market: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (January – March)
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Rebecca Barnabi
