Press Release

PIERCETON — The annual Heirloom Tomato Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, in Brower Park and the Old Train Depot in Pierceton.

Festivities begin with a 5K run/walk with registration at 8 a.m. and the run/walk beginning at 9 a.m. The registration fee is $20.

There will be many activities throughout the day which include an heirloom tomato exhibit, kids’ activity area, arts/crafts booths, farmers’ market, weaving demonstration, tomato slingshot game and a chainsaw demonstration.

Kim Lund, a noted seed steward, will be a featured speaker. She will be available in the Question and Answer Booth, which will be located inside the Old Train Depot. Lund will answer questions from 10-11:30 a.m., noon to 1 p.m., and 2:30-3 p.m.

Richard Rose, author, will also be available in the Question and Answer Booth from 1:30-2:30 p.m. He has written several novels such as “The Satyr Candidate,” “The Lazarus Conspiracies” and “The Gumshoe.” Rose also wrote “Comic Crusaders,” which is an adventure/fantasy screenplay written in book form.

An agricultural art show is another event being held during the festival. Bring agricultural-related art to the Whitko Art Museum and Galleries located at 130 N. First St. in downtown Pierceton between 4-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. All media is accepted and there will be two separate categories judged: adult and youth. There is no limit on the number of entries or art size. There is a $5 fee per entry. Cash prizes will be awarded, including a “People’s Choice Award.” Artwork will be displayed during the Heirloom Tomato Festival, with winners announced at 3 p.m.

Attendees who create baked goods that have a tomato as an ingredient can compete in the Heirloom Tomato Baking Contest, which will be held in the Old Train Depot. Judging will be at 1 p.m. and prizes will be awarded.

The Big, Bad and Ugly Tomato Worm Contest, as well as the Largest (Heaviest) Tomato Contest, will also be located inside the Old Train Depot.

A tomato eating contest will be held in Brower Park at 2:30 p.m.

Live entertainment will be featured during the day, including Tag Art performers featuring a stilt walking farmer and human statues. On the main stage in Brower Park, performers will be Jared Pagan from 10-11 a.m., Deb Collier’s Class Act Dance Troupe from 11-11:45 a.m., Basket Case from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and All Gone Blue from 2-4 p.m.

The Sassy Vegan, Shawnanigans and Big C Barbecue, as well as other food vendors, will be available at the festival. Come enjoy homemade ice cream, kettle corn, fried green tomatoes, ham and beans, BLT sandwiches, cobblers, and a tomato social, which will be serving tomato sandwiches.

Produce and farmers’ market vendors will also be available.