Grainger County Tomato Festival July 23, 2009

RUTLEDGE, TENNESSEE - The Grainger County Tomato Festival, one of East Tennessee's largest free festivals, will be held on July 24-26, 2009, at Rutledge Middle School (former High School), Highway 11W, Rutledge, Tennessee. No Admission - No Parking Charge- Come and feel the fun!

The Art Show will include original art of all descriptions and a living history exhibit. There will be working artists, historians, and regional authors. A working Civil War Field Hospital and an exhibit of authentic Civil War apparel will be featured. The Old Time Vesper Service will be held Sunday at 10 AM. The Farmer's Area will feature farming throughout Grainger County's history as well as an assortment of old time farm machinery, some of which will be in operation. A Civil War encampment, corn shuck doll making, quilt making, grain grinding and other period demonstrations will also be on hand.Children will have a chance to play a variety of old fashioned games, as well as some modern ones.

The famous Tomato Wars, which happens at 10am on Saturday, will have rotten tomatoes flying all over the place at 40 mph. All funds raised at the wars go directly to the Grainger County Special Olympics. Other special events include a Mater Madness 5K run and car show on Saturday, the Tennessee Army National Guard rock climbing wall and a beauty pageant. There will be three stages of entertainment with continuous live music & dancing, in addition to numerous food, commercial and arts & crafts vendors. The Lakeway Amateur Radio Club will be operating a radio station during the festival. The Grainger County Opry, featuring local musical talent, will be held Friday night at 7 PM, (ticket required for this event). Proceeds from the festival help support local non-profit organizations, local craftsman and area tomato growers.

Official Website: http://www.graingercountytomatofestival.com