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.