PIERCETON – The Heirloom Tomato Festival is Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by the Pierceton Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a salsa competition at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Brower Park. All ingredients will be provided, including bowls and utensils, and contestants are still being sought. Four contestants are needed for each time frame. The winner will receive an award worth entering for, according to the Pierceton Chamber. Pies are also needed. Create a sweet green tomato pie or savory tomato pie and bring it to banquet facility at The Old Train Depot by 12:30 p.m. day of the festival, and at 1:30 p.m. the judges will score the pies on a scale of 1 to 5 in presentation, taste and texture. Pieces of pie will be auctioned off immediately following the announcement of a winner. Don’t get rid of those pesky tomato worms in the garden. Bring them into the speaker’s tent and the ugliest worm could win a prize. Again this year there will be a Children’s Tent with many activities and prizes. All games and crafts are provided. The fest will also be looking for the largest heirloom tomato and the oddest shape. Entries can be taken to the banquet facility at The Old Train Depot by 3 p.m. to be eligible for a prize. There is no cost to enter any of the contests. Other festivities include: 11a.m. to 1 p.m., Goldmine Pickers, bluegrass; Heirloom Tomato Social from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; many produce vendors, crafters, food such as homemade ice cream, fried tomatoes, hot dogs and hamburgers and roasted corn (new this year) and more. There will be speakers on agricultural topics during the event, and to kick off the day is a 5k run/2 mile walk starting at 8:30 a.m. The third annual Ag Art Show this year is a month-long showdown at the Lakeland Art Gallery with a winner and a people’s choice award. For more information visit www.piercetonchamber.com or call 574-268-4860.
