The Harrisonburg Farmers Market is preparing for an annual celebration of seasonal produce. The market will host its fourth annual Tomato Fest on Saturday. The event will occur during regular market hours, starting at 8 a.
m. and ending at 1 p.m.
» What: Harrisonburg Farmers Market Tomato Fest » When: 8 a.m.Saturday » Where: Harrisonburg Farmers Market, Turner Pavilion, 212 S Main St, Harrisonburg » More info: https://www.
harrisonburgfarmersmarket.com/ The festival is a celebration of the peak of tomato season, highlighting the work local farmers put into growing heirloom tomatoes and the fruits of their labor, according to Sarah Gorman, marketing strategist for the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. “It really is a celebration of tomatoes,” Gorman explained.
“So, when you think about other countries, other nations, like Italy, for instance, there is a festival for every vegetable because vegetables are seasonal. Now, with the way that we grow vegetables in this country and all over the world, you can get tomatoes any time of year. But the thing is, a farm-fresh, sun-ripened tomato, especially an heirloom, is so different from your grocery store tomato.
” The festival will include several unique offerings to help community members enjoy tomatoes in new ways, such as tomato mocktails prepared by SJ Starr, bartender at the Joshua Wilton House, tomato tastings, tomato-themed products available for sale, and a tomato-themed kids’ activity hosted by Shenandoah Valley master .