News

Tomato Day features free mater sandwiches

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 6, 2021

The Hendersonville Farmers Market, 650 Maple St., will celebrate the humble tomato Saturday with a special Tomato Day as the crop reaches peak season in Western North Carolina.

During the regular market hours of 8 a.m.-1 p.m. shoppers are invited to enjoy the tomato-filled fun.

Free Tomato Sammies: Half-sized tomato sandwiches will be offered free of charge while supplies last, using only the classic ingredients of bread, mayonnaise, and fresh Henderson County tomatoes. Watch the volunteer-run tomato sandwich operation in real-time in front of the Historic Train Depot.

Kid’s Corner: Tomato Beauty Pageant & Kid Yoga. Visit the Kid’s Corner to vote for a tomato in the Tomato Beauty Pageant and enter to win a prize. Also, Yoga and Massage will be leading free 20-minute Kid Yoga sessions at 10 and 10:30 am for ages 3-10, mats provided.

Tommy Tomato Mascot: Can you spot Tommy Tomato, the local tomato mascot? The cheery, human-sized tomato will be happily strolling the market, dancing along to the live music, and posing for photos with shoppers.

Heirloom Tastings and Tomato Talks with Craig LeHoullier, NC Tomato Man: Craig LeHoullier, who has 105 tomato varieties growing in the backyard of his new Hendersonville home, is not just any tomato gardener. An advisor for the Seed Savers Exchange, he was credited for naming the Cherokee Purple variety in 1990! Craig authored the award-winning book Epic Tomatoes (which he will be signing and selling at the market) and was once featured on the PBS show “Growing a Greener World.” Craig will be leading Tomato Talks at his booth at the top of each hour during the market. He will also be offering tastings of several of his heirloom tomatoes.