26th Annual
Grainger County Tomato Festival TN.
July 27, 28, & 29 2018
Hours: Friday 27 noon to 8pm
Saturday 28 9am to 6pm
Sunday 29 noon to 5pm
Grainger County Tomato Festival
7480 Rutledge Pike
Rutledge Tn 37861
Hours: Friday 27 noon to 8pm
Saturday 28 9am to 6pm
Sunday 29 noon to 5pm
Grainger County Tomato Festival
7480 Rutledge Pike
Rutledge Tn 37861
Painting by Wendy Leedy
The Grainger County Tomato Festival was organized in 1992 to promote our world famous Grainger County Tomatoes. Our mission is to promote all Grainger County agricultural products, specifically the Grainger County Tomato, and to promote the many local artists, authors, talent, and craftsmen we have in our area. Over the years we have added a number of special events making the festival one of the largest free festivals in East Tennessee and has been named by Parade magazine as one of the top ten festivals in the USA.
The festival is always the last full weekend in July in Rutledge,Tennessee. Be sure to mark your calendars! You don't want to miss it.
The Tomato Festival is a family event, and we ask all our vendors and visitors to please be considerate and not smoke (cigarettes, vapes, cigars, pipes, etc...) nor have alcohol on the festival grounds. Good Southern manners that will make your mamaw proud is all we ask for. Thank you.
The festival is always the last full weekend in July in Rutledge,Tennessee. Be sure to mark your calendars! You don't want to miss it.
The Tomato Festival is a family event, and we ask all our vendors and visitors to please be considerate and not smoke (cigarettes, vapes, cigars, pipes, etc...) nor have alcohol on the festival grounds. Good Southern manners that will make your mamaw proud is all we ask for. Thank you.
2018 Case Knifes will be available soon
Opening Ceremony Friday 27th at 1:00pm Main Stage
Pets are Welcome
Well behaved pets are welcome at the festival, just remember it is in late July and it's HOT. We will have watering stations and misting tents all over the festival grounds to help keep cool. We do ask that you pick up after your fur babies and deposit their gifts in the nearest garbage can.
Well behaved pets are welcome at the festival, just remember it is in late July and it's HOT. We will have watering stations and misting tents all over the festival grounds to help keep cool. We do ask that you pick up after your fur babies and deposit their gifts in the nearest garbage can.
Art Show
Bring your art show entries to the elementary school on Friday July 27th by 3:30 ready to hang unless it is 3D. We have several categories that you can enter your pieces in for both children and adults. We have a limit of three per artist. Be sure to fill out the little tags to identify your piece when you drop them off. Judging will be done at the end of the day and you can see the winners on Saturday.
Bring your art show entries to the elementary school on Friday July 27th by 3:30 ready to hang unless it is 3D. We have several categories that you can enter your pieces in for both children and adults. We have a limit of three per artist. Be sure to fill out the little tags to identify your piece when you drop them off. Judging will be done at the end of the day and you can see the winners on Saturday.
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Tomato Festival Sponsors
Platinum New South Credit Union Citizens Bank And Trust of Grainger Co. Murlin's Music World Diamond WCRK 105.7 FM WJDT 106.5 FM WBGQ 100.7 FM Grainger Today Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes King Pure Water |
Gold Appalachian Electric Cooperative 25 Years Ronnie Johnson Burger Barn & Country Storage Frontier Communications Dr. Duck Family Medicine Jeremy Gordon State Farm Golden Corral of Morristown CO OP of Grainger County The Frame House |
WE NEED SPONSORS, and you can help by downloading the sponsor application and mailing it in with a check. It's great advertising for businesses. Without your sponsorships we have no Tomato Festival.
Click here to download a sponsor application
Click here to download a sponsor application
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4th Annual Concert Series
Saturday night July 28, 2018 at 7:00pm behind the middle school on the football field. The Grainger County Tomato Festival is proud to present Trace Adkins. Admission is FREE. |
Trace Adkins
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RULES:
NO GUNS, NO ALCOHOL, NO COOLERS, AND PLEASE USE CLEAR BAGS.
We make these rules for your safety and we would appreciate it if you would help us out so we can get everyone to their seats in time to see all the show. You can have chairs and blankets.
Thank you for your cooperation.
NO GUNS, NO ALCOHOL, NO COOLERS, AND PLEASE USE CLEAR BAGS.
We make these rules for your safety and we would appreciate it if you would help us out so we can get everyone to their seats in time to see all the show. You can have chairs and blankets.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Thank you Charlie Daniels Band for making the 2017 Grainger County Tomato Festival a memorable night for so many. We hope you enjoyed your visit and your tomatoes.
Click on image to enlarge and print
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Rita and Susan Key will be back this year with their delectable and creative chocolates. They will be located in the elementary school.
We would like to congratulate The Chocolate Ladies on their wins at Chocolate Fest |
Send Us Your Tomato Recipes
We would like to collect recipes from our friends to share on the Grainger County Tomato Festival's website. If you have a tasty tomato dish you would like to share with the world please send it to gctomatofestival@gmail.com and be sure to put your name or whom ever the creator of the recipes name with it so credit can be given.
We would like to collect recipes from our friends to share on the Grainger County Tomato Festival's website. If you have a tasty tomato dish you would like to share with the world please send it to gctomatofestival@gmail.com and be sure to put your name or whom ever the creator of the recipes name with it so credit can be given.
Followin Mark Bishop |
Saturday July 28th 4:00pm
in the middle school Sponsors
Food City Subway Smith's Drugstore Clayton Homes of Rutledge Norris Homes Duck Family Medicine Blue Springs Baptist Church Adriel Missionary Baptist Church WJDT Radio Praise 96.3 Grainger County Parks and Recreation Wild Horse Knives |
Opening act starting at 4:00pm
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Click on image to enlarge and print
Dance Stage (stage 3)
Saturday 29th 10am-3pm Sunday 30th 1pm-2:30pm 2017 Schedule click on image for schedule |
John Beckwith
He will be bringing a display of his hand made reproduction Indian Trade Silver to the Living History area this year. It is made using traditional methods and materials like sterling silver and brass. The patterns are all original pieces. He will also be working on his wooden spoons and walking sticks at the festival. Look for him on the other side of the tree from Kelvin the black smith. |
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Kelvin Ryder the Blacksmith
Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree, The Village Smithy Stands. Our blacksmith will be returning for the 8th year. He is the owner of Homegrown Forge, and makes a number of items including railroad spike knives, equipment for outdoor cooking and various small items. He will be demonstrating under the big tree in the Living History area and as always happy to answer any questions you may have about blacksmithing.
Chadwick's Dips
Shanna & Jason Wyatt have over 30 flavors of all natural vegetable and dessert dips from mild to wild. Asiago Prime Rib Fruity Berry Bacon cheeseburger Key LimeSea Sundried Tomato Pesto Salt Caramel Inferno (Made with ghost pepper) Mention you saw us on the Tomato Festival Website and you get a free dip from our mystery bag with any purchase |
Charles the Pig
Charles is the miraculous survivor of The Great Smoky Mountains Wildfire, and we are giddy with excitement that he and his people will be at the Tomato Festival this year selling his books, art work, stuffed animals and what ever else Charles decides to make to help raise money to help his family rebuild their home. You can keep up with Charles and see how his family is doing on his Facebook page. Charles The Pig Historic Calendars are Back
The Grainger County Historic Society will have the 2018 calendars featuring drawings by Wendy Leedy for sale at the Tomato Festival inside the elementary school. 2017 Grainger County Tomato Festival T-Shirt
This year’s shirt commemorates the festival’s 25th anniversary and may be purchased at Smith’s Drug Store in Rutledge, Okie’s II Pharmacy in Blaine, Grainger Today in Bean Station, and at the festival. Prices are $12 for sizes small, medium, large and extra large and $15 for sizes 2XL and 3XL. 
2017
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Click on image to enlarge and print
Authors
In the elementary school We have several accomplished authors at the festival this year. They are all inside with the air conditioning where you can meet them, buy their books and get them personalized. We also have some folks that can help you with your genealogy research.
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Tomato War
We are proud to announce that The Tomato Wars is a fund raiser for God's Planet for Haiti. God’s Planet for Haiti (GP4H) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Maryville, Tennessee and received a charter from the State of Tennessee in March of 2010. GP4H is also recognized in Haiti as an international non-profit organization. Our mission is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Haitian people and to meet the needs of the children through education. If you missed getting a bag of Haitian Coffee at the festival you can purchase it at The Red Barn in Rutledge while supplies last. Download Tomato War Application HERE Download Tomato War Rules HERE 
Elmo
As always we are proud to have the Kerbela Engineers of Morristown Shriners Elmo Train back. Bring the kids for a ride on this cute and colorful train and help the Shrines raise money to help children in need. 
Jeremy Gordon, State Farm
Come out and test your luck on Jeremy's wheel of prizes. Like a good neighbor Jeremy is there for us as a GOLD sponsor. We greatly appreciate all our sponsors. Thank You. |
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Stonewolf and Barbara Moore
We are thrilled to have Stonewolf and Barbara Moore at The Tomato Festival this year.They hand make one of a kind traditional Cherokee Kituwah designs. Their collections include flint knives, stone tomahawks, hand painted leather jewelry (earrings, barrettes,& bracelets) off loom bead work, dream catchers, and medicine wheels. Be sure to go see them in the living history section up on the hill beside the middle school. 
Click on image to enlarge and print
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Rustic Relics by Lora Sinard
You can find Lora inside the elementary school with the air conditioning. We love to see whats new in Lora's world like her wall hangings, stuffed veggies, Christmas, and Halloween decorations. Story Teller
Our story teller is Harry Bumgardner, a member of the Sons of the Revolution. He knows most everything a man needs to know about the early history of our country. Be sure and bring the young folks by to see him because he has a variety of things to talk about. We look forward to his flint lock demonstrations and we hope he brings the 50 caliber! Be sure and visit the long hunter's camp located near the Living History area. Food
Veggie Vendors
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Leather Smith
Living History welcomes back Gary Prater, our leather worker from Knoxville. Gary makes a number of leather items in a wide price range but he really enjoys making items of historical interest. He is skilled in many leather techniques and has lots of tools he loves to talk about. If you need something custom made, come see Gary. |
Sewing
New to the Living History area this year is Susan Libby. She makes a number of hand crafted fabric items. History buffs and antique lovers will have a particular interest in her early sewing machines. She will be bringing a 1860's Davis treadle sewing machine and a 1906 Singer treadle machine. For those of you who only know about shiny electronic sewing machines, come see Susan and see how great grandma made her fabric items. |
2017 Grainger Co Tomato Festival
Queen & King
2017 Winning Court
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Front Row L-R:
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MIDDLE ROW:
Back Row:
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The 2017 pageant was sponsored by:
US Pawn & Gun Store, Rita Bozeman,
Richie & Sabra Bruce, Frances Dunn, Freddie Treece, Will and Jill Smith, Eleanor & Ira Brown, Angela Wilkins, Shane Clevengar, Jim and Michelle Lawrence, Tammie & Scott Solomon, Ruthie & Vint Long, John & Teresa Bailey, Robin Burchfield, Earl Bruce, Richie & Alisha Schulz, Sheila Bradley, Sara Nichols, Kelly Sikes, Pam Bounds, Sharon Bender, Nicole Wittenaur, Derek & Lakin Bozeman, Josh & Stephanie Steppen, Jimmy & Kathy, Brian & Morgan, Chrissy, Logan Baker, Donielle Taylor, Richard Schulz
US Pawn & Gun Store, Rita Bozeman,
Richie & Sabra Bruce, Frances Dunn, Freddie Treece, Will and Jill Smith, Eleanor & Ira Brown, Angela Wilkins, Shane Clevengar, Jim and Michelle Lawrence, Tammie & Scott Solomon, Ruthie & Vint Long, John & Teresa Bailey, Robin Burchfield, Earl Bruce, Richie & Alisha Schulz, Sheila Bradley, Sara Nichols, Kelly Sikes, Pam Bounds, Sharon Bender, Nicole Wittenaur, Derek & Lakin Bozeman, Josh & Stephanie Steppen, Jimmy & Kathy, Brian & Morgan, Chrissy, Logan Baker, Donielle Taylor, Richard Schulz
The Jackie Burchell Long Memorial 5K Run
The 5K run is held in memory of Jackie Burchell Long, a Grainger County native who was killed in an automobile accident in 2006. She is a hometown girl that graduated from Rutledge High School in 1987. The Tomato Festival is honored to host the race at her high school alma mater for the second year in a row.
Long was active in local charities and was a strong advocate for better education for students.
Proceeds from the race go to fund scholarships to a qualifying senior track or cross country team member from Grainger High School, Morristown West High School and Morristown East High School.
The registration form has all the information about the race on it.
Click here for registration form 2017
The 5K run is held in memory of Jackie Burchell Long, a Grainger County native who was killed in an automobile accident in 2006. She is a hometown girl that graduated from Rutledge High School in 1987. The Tomato Festival is honored to host the race at her high school alma mater for the second year in a row.
Long was active in local charities and was a strong advocate for better education for students.
Proceeds from the race go to fund scholarships to a qualifying senior track or cross country team member from Grainger High School, Morristown West High School and Morristown East High School.
The registration form has all the information about the race on it.
Click here for registration form 2017
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Pottery by Jenni Kelly
Returning as the Living History potter is Jenni Kelly of Kelly Pottery in Rockwood. While she makes many things, she enjoys making items from early American designs. She will be demonstrating clay on the wheel techniques and answering any questions you may have in the Living History area. |
David L Adams
New to Living History this year is David L. Adams of Tennesseans for Living History. He makes black powder bags, powder horns, blowing "fox" horns & knives. He has been constructing period correct black powder accoutrements since 1965. You will find David by the big tree in the living history area. |
Click on image to enlarge and print
The ‘Mater Madness Fundraiser 2017
The Grainger County Tomato Festival is selling tickets to win a number of prizes as a fundraiser. The tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are available at all branches of Citizens Bank & Trust of Grainger County and at the Tomato Festival. Participants do not have to be present to win.
The Grainger County Tomato Festival is selling tickets to win a number of prizes as a fundraiser. The tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets are available at all branches of Citizens Bank & Trust of Grainger County and at the Tomato Festival. Participants do not have to be present to win.
- Flat-screen TV donated by Dual-Tech
- $25 gift certificates to Cox & Wright Food Center
- Indian Trade Silver Necklace by WindSpinner
- Gift certificates for Doyle’s Auto Parts
- 5 boxes of canning tomatoes from Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes
- 4 fish dinners from Jessie’s Little Market
- Gift certificate for Smith’s Drug Store
- A framed Tomato Festival print by The Frame House
- 6 Grainger County Tomato Festival Case Knives
- A gift set from Dena’s Little House of Style
- Horseshoe cross from Ridge Line Farms
- 2 Sets of VIP Gift Certificates for Golden Corral
David and Patti
Sunday 12-5 pm 2017
This father daughter duo is keeping the Louisiana moonshiner craft alive by honoring it's original heritage.
The Tomato Festival is happy to have them drop by on Sunday July 28th from 12-5 pm. They will have t-shirts and other promotional items for sale along side their sponsors Herron Knives.
This father daughter duo is keeping the Louisiana moonshiner craft alive by honoring it's original heritage.
The Tomato Festival is happy to have them drop by on Sunday July 28th from 12-5 pm. They will have t-shirts and other promotional items for sale along side their sponsors Herron Knives.
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Herron Knives
We are glad to have Herron Knives back this year with their special guest Louisiana Moonshiners on Sunday. They have a multitude of hand crafted knives in all sorts of colors and styles. These unique knives are a great gift idea that are made locally in Mooresburg TN. Check out their Facebook page for more pictures. Click here. |
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