For one lively Saturday every year in August, thousands of folks descend on downtown Pierceton for the Heirloom Tomato Fest.
This year, the festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brower Park, the Old Train Depot, and along the State Road 13 corridor. Anticipation is high, as a committee of six has been steadily and enthusiastically planning the 2024 edition down to the most intricate detail.
Now in its 17th year, the Heirloom Tomato Festival was founded by Patricia Knott, a connoisseur of the heirloom tomato and a frequent consultant and renowned speaker on the topic. From the time of its inception, one of the main goals of the festival was to offer educational programs about various topics including self-sufficiency, environmental matters, and advice on growing and preserving tomatoes and seedlings. Over time, more attractions and features were added, such as craft vendors, music, competitions, baking contests and many other crowd favorites.
Visitors this year can expect all of the beloved traditions that have reigned in years past, including live entertainment, homemade ice cream, tomato tastings, specialty sandwiches and vegetable exhibits. New this year will be a Historic Walk through downtown Pierceton hosted by historian Joan Hostetler, starting at 11 a.m. Along the walk there will be enlightening information revealed about the stories behind the town, its buildings and its leaders.
The festival organizers will also bring back the Agricultural Art Show, which allows participants to indulge their talents using any artistic medium, so long as there is an agricultural connection. On a related note, with a slightly more lighthearted spin, there are Big, Bad and Ugly contests, which single out the person who can produce the most significant tomato worm, and, of course, include a quest to find the biggest, heaviest tomato.
Musicians scheduled to perform include the band Cumberland Gap from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by John Potts from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. The roster closes out with the band Beez and the Rocker, taking the stage from 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Two special guests will be on hand to share their insights and knowledge with the audience. Steve Koontz will give a presentation entitled “Lettuce Grow Together” from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Karen Richey will address the crowd with her talk “Preserve It Now…Enjoy It Later” from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional groups making special appearances include the Pumpernickel Pewter Artists and the Class Act Troupe of dance students.
Youngsters can absolutely join in the family fun and festivities as well, with children’s games and the immensely popular Scavenger Hunt. Amateur sleuths of all ages are invited to search the town to find the golden tomato for a chance to win $250. There is also the morning 5K run/walk, which is open for registration by logging on to runsignup.com.
For more details or to inquire about becoming a vendor, visit piercetonchamber.com.
