Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Tomato Fest coming Aug. 27

By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent



GRANBY-It will be all things tomato when the Red Fire Farm hosts its sixth annual Tomato Festival and third annual Tomato Trot on Aug. 27.

Guest chef Jessica Prentice, author of Full Moon Feast, will be cooking and signing her book as one of the many fun events planned from noon to 5 p.m. at the farm on Carver Street.

Highlights of the day also include a fun 5K Tomato Trot through the fields beginning at 10:30 a.m., tomato tastings of more than 60 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes and an opportunity to vote for your favorite, and a tomato canning workshop and demonstration at 12:30.

In addition, Red Fire Farm owner Ryan Voiland will present a workshop on growing tomatoes in a home garden at 3:30 p.m., and visitors can pick cherry tomatoes and saucing tomatoes from the farm fields.

Voiland noted that shapes of tomatoes range from the small instant taste sensations of the Sungold and Supersweet 100 cherry tomatoes to the huge Striped Germans. Other varieties are hollow and stuffable like peppers, banana shaped, or plum shaped for sauce.

"We pick tomatoes fully ripe from the vine in order to let the flavor develop to the very best richness," said Voiland.

Hayrides to the tomato fields will be available throughout the afternoon, as well as the opportunity to sample locally produced foods including salsas, breads and pickles.

A home grown tomato contest also encourages area residents to bring five matching tomatoes from one's garden to be judged on flavor, appearance and trueness to type. Stems should remain on fruits. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, with winners announced at 4:30.

Activities also scheduled throughout the afternoon include food provided by Hillside Organic Farm & Pizza Co., pony rides for children, and music performed by fiddler Susan Conger.

Parking will be available in the Brown Ellison lot adjacent to the farm, and the event will take place rain or shine. Admission is $3; free for farm members and children.

For more information, visit www.redfirefarm.com or call (413) 467-7645. There is a $12 registration fee for the 5K Trot and walkers are also welcome to participate.

The Red Fire Farm grows a wide diversity of food and ornamental crops on more than 50 acres using organic principles that result in safe food and a healthy environment, according to Voiland.