Tomato farming is a multi-million dollar crop in western and southern Rowan County, which makes it worthy of celebration!
Rumor has it that just after the turn of the century, the Bailey brothers began farming tomatoes for market in Woodleaf. The soil was so rich, they referred to it as brown sugar.
The Woodleaf Tomato Festival is in its 14th year of celebrating tomato farmers in the community. The festival is held the third Saturday in August each year, as this is the time when tomato farmers are between their first and second crops of the season, giving them time to attend.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. with a parade using a route along Woodleaf-Barber Road between the Woodleaf Volunteer Dire Department and Unity Church. There will be live music throughout the day at the stage in front of Unity Church. Exciting events fill the day, such as a tomato eating contest, best tasting tomato contest and a tomato recipe cookoff contest, silent auction, yard sale, children’s play area, tomato hole tournament, bake sales, plenty of food and so much more! Join in the fun of the children’s contests, Little ‘Mater Blossom, Little Miss Tomato Sprout and Little Tommy Toe. There will even be a 10-foot inflatable tomato on site!
Don’t miss this Rowan County original festival on August 15, 2020. We’ll see you there!
For more Rowan County events, visit our event calendar.