RUTLEDGE, TENNESSEE (SUBMITTED) -- The Grainger County Tomato Festival, one of East Tennessee's largest free festivals, will be held on July 25-27, 2008, at Rutledge High School, Highway 11W, Rutledge, Tennessee. No Admission - No Parking Charge.
An expanded Art & Cultural exhibit will include art & history exhibits with working artists & historians, regional authors, as well as a Farmer's Area where you can learn about farming throughout Grainger County's history. Children will have a chance to milk the mechanical cow and play a variety of old fashioned games. A coffin maker, Civil War troops, corn shuck doll making, quilt making, grain grinding and other period demonstrations will also be featured.
The famous Tomato Wars, which happens at 11am on Saturday, features 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 5K Fun Run, car show, the Army Reserves rock climbing wall and a beauty pageant. There will be three stages of entertainment with continuous live music & dancing, in addition to numerous food, art and crafts vendors. The Lakeway Amateur Radio Club will be operating a radio station during the festival. Sunday morning will begin with a Civil War period Vesper Service at 10 AM. Proceeds from the festival help support local non-profit organizations, local craftsman and area tomato growers.
For more information, or vendor applications - visit www.graingercountytomatofestival.com.
For dining and lodging please visit - www.graingerchamber.com.
Friday, July 18
Street Dance
Location: Cox & Wright Grocery Store Parking Lot
Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Grainger County Tomato Festival Beauty Pageant
Location: Rutledge Middle School
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19
Block Party
*Food, Giveaways, Puppet Shows*
Location: Cox & Wright Grocery Store
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tomato Eating Contest sponsored by Cotton Eyed Joe's
Location: Cox & Wright Grocery Store
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Cruise-In
Location: Hardee's
Time: Saturday Evening
Friday, July 25
Early Shopping
Location: Grounds at Rutledge Middle School and High School
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Grainger County Opry
Location: Rutledge High School Gym
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 26
5K Run
Location: Rutledge High School
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Art Show
Location: Rutledge Middle School
Time: 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m.
Car Show
Location: Tactical Armor Products Parking Lot
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Stage Entertainment
Location: Rutledge Middle School and High School
Time: 9:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m.
Tomato Wars
Location: Behind High School Vocational Building
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, July 27
Art Show
Location: Rutledge Middle School
Time: 12:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Stage Entertainment
Location: Rutledge Middle School and High School
Time: 12:30 p.m. till 5:00 p.m.
Vesper Service
Location: Stage 1
Time: 10:00 a.m.