Homegrown Tomato Fest 2024

The 20th Homegrown Tomato Fest will take place on Saturday, August 10, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Kingsport Farmers Market. This celebration of the juicy red fruit is free and open to the public.
Activities taking place during the event include:
– Kids’ decorating tables (decorate your own tomato or use our red plate replacement).
– Live music starting at 9 a.m.
– A children’s activity by the Kingsport Public Library.
– Peak Young Professionals will make tomato sandwiches at 10 a.m. (while supplies last).
– Tomato contest for biggest, ugliest and best dressed (drop off tomatoes by 9 a.m.; winner will be announced at 11:30 a.m.
The University of Tennessee Extension Agency of Sullivan County is hosting a salsa canning class from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost of the class is $10 per person and registration is required. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3A8cGzO.
Finally, the Homegrown Tomato Fest will feature a Salsa Showdown, where the public will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite salsa. The winner will receive a blue ribbon, some Kingsport Farmers Market swag and plenty of bragging rights.
The Salsa Showdown is open to anyone, all salsa must be homemade, and tomatoes must be used. Contestants must supply a minimum of one quart of salsa and limit three entries per household. Please label salsa Mild, Medium or Hot and provide ingredient list. Salsa will be judged on appearance, taste and texture.
Entries must be turned in by 9 a.m. to the check in table close to the kiosk and an entry form must be filled out when dropping off. Winners will be announced at 11:30 a.m.