Get set for TomatoFest September 10 – 11 at Emerson Park
TomatoFest is back for its 26th year of great food, fresh local produce, terrific entertainment and activities for children of all ages, creative crafts, and valuable information from not-for-profit organizations. Best of all the proceeds from TomatoFest benefit local food pantries. A grand total of $13,000 was donated last year to area food pantries. Over the past twenty five years, TomatoFest has raised over $275,000 and collected well over 10,000 canned goods- and meals- to local food pantries and county residents. Approximately 50% of those meals are served to young families and youth. With your support of TomatoFest 2011, it may be possible to give even more this year.
To be a part of this fun-filled weekend, bring your friends and family to Emerson Park on Saturday, September 10th and Sunday, September 11th, from 11AM – 6PM. For a carefree day, park at Auburn High School on Lake Avenue and ride the free shuttle bus, courtesy of Centro, right to the main gate. Admission to TomatoFest will stay the same as last year: $3 for adults and $1 for children. Children under 12 years of age are admitted free with the donation of a canned good.
Live music includes performances by Jam Bones, Infrared Radiation Orchestra, Gary Dunes Band, CROM, Brad and Jenny, A Cast of Thousands, the Harvester, Julie Howard, Soul Traders and Uncalled Four.
Family fun activities include the Midway Caravan Backyard Circus, the Tomato Parade, Max Man Reptile Rescue, balloon sculpture, make your own Playdough, face painting, dig and identify fossils and the veggie art contest. At 2PM on Saturday and Sunday white doves or “feathered angels” will be released near the Pavilion.
About TomatoFest
Since its inception in 1986, the first "festival," only a few hours long on a Sunday afternoon, was created to bring the community together and provide a public venue for not-for-profit organizations. A few hundred people turned out, and when all was said and done a small profit was realized. From there the festival has grown to a two-day event, with over 13,000 in attendance over the weekend. People from all over Central New York come to enjoy the great food, music, crafts, and entertainment for the whole family.
The name TomatoFest was selected because the festival is held at the end of the tomato season, and the thought of canning or "putting up" the harvest reflected the support of local food agencies.
A volunteer Board of Directors provides their services throughout the year, striving to make each festival a memorable event for everyone who attends. This year's festival will be bigger and better than ever.
You won't want to miss the 26th Annual Central New York TomatoFest, happening September 10-11th at Emerson Park on the north shore of beautiful Owasco Lake in Auburn, NY. Bring the whole family! To learn more visit: http://www.cnytomatofest.com/index.php.
