By Matt de Simone
Buchanan Town Park was the destination for a local tomato tour last Saturday.
The Botetourt Farmers Market presented the return of the popular Tomato Festival celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the county. Guests were treated to several local vendors offering delicious tomato-themed treats and homemade goods. Attendees also had the chance to learn more about the rich history of tomatoes in Botetourt County.
Tomato Festival activities were enjoyed by attendees throughout the morning that included various children’s activities with Botetourt Libraries, a free tomato tasting with Brent Hershey- State Farm, music from Mike Lee and Justin Broughman, a presentation on the history of tomatoes in Botetourt with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and a vendor salsa contest.
Some of the vendors on hand included: Blue Ridge Barn Quilts, Broken Tiller Farm, Bruce Ingram Outdoors, By the Dozen, C&F Farms, Cutes by Ann, Hillside Plants and Produce, Humble Hen Farms, Kneadful Things, Moonblossom Farm, Mountain Thyme Honey, Sarah’s Petals, Scones By Sydney, Sunny Day Designs, Turquoise Thread, Stavroula Borovich, Wildwood Workshop, Varsity Spa, Wilhelm Produce, Woodfairy Signs, Mountain View Candles, Magnolia South, Mountain Valley Art, Ostrom Apiary, Son of a Beekeeper Honey, Cricket’s Tie-Dye, Bryant Orchards, Dangles by Angles, Sun & Spruce, Spice Titan, Blue Ridge Microfarm, Eggie Lopes, Judy’s Wreaths, Layman Farms, and Little Wasprock Farm.