This post documents my experience on September 10, 2010.
Fredericktown is a one of those small towns with some interesting history. Along with its connection to Adena and Hopewell Indian tribes, its Future Farmers of America chapter is responsible for the organization’s official jacket, Luke Perry graduated from high school here…
…and it’s home to the Tomato Show.
Now, before going into the description of this festival, I want to say that I walked back and forth…
…all along this street festival in search of all things tomato-y.
I even stopped by the hospitality tent…
…and got my free glass of chilled tomato juice.
But now that I look at the website, there’s mention of an exhibition of baked goods, canned goods, etc. behind the senior building…
…which would be back by the rides maybe not even this far down.
So I’m sorry for missing that if it was there.
I did, however, find some great food booths.
This booth held by the First Presbyterian Church, for instance…
…sold tomato fudge and bread (with nuts or without).
But, along with the free juice, these were the only tomato products to consume.
Most of the other food items…
…seemed to be pork.
It was amazing for a festival this size to have so many pork dishes. With the above pic of Porkettes, there were also sausage items…
…pork tenderloins by the Ohio Masonic Thrall Lodge 170…
…and these super thick pork chops…
…cooked by the local Exchange Club of Mount Vernon/Knox County.
They also had food…
…to remind us of our country’s past and prepare us for our future.
As all that grub digested, festival goers…
…could sit and be entertained at the stage…
…or play games and ride rides.
Next to this area…
…was a large vendor area…
…with unique crafts…
…and plenty of tomato red items that either supported or conflicted with Ohio interests.
Fortunately, there were plenty of religious organizations to maintain the peace…
…with their sugary treats delighting people outside…
…while inside the tomato-y vendor tents…
…they had literature available.
And I will say that I usually enjoy festivals with a good amount of religious support. Because, even if I don’t consider myself a religious man…
…I have great faith in their cooking.