Coming August 17, 2013: Tomato Jamboree at the Clark County Public Library Rides Again

Just a few pictures from last year's first Annual Tomato Jamboree at the Library. We had 10 growers showing more than 45 varieties of tomato - and about 70 folks stopped in to taste, vote, and taste some more.

Hope we see y'all on August 17, 2013 for more of the same and better!

 

 Winchester Police Sgt. Donnie Skinner testing out his dad's tomato, the aptly named Butler Skinner, grown out by Leo Shortridge in 2012. 

The elusive but enthusiastic anthropologist and Kentucky food historian Dr. John van Willigen checks out two bi-colors, Russian 117 (the oxheart on the right) and Pineapple (beefsteak  on the left).  Both of these tomatoes were grown and offered by Henkle's Herbs & Heirlooms, Nicholasville KY market growers. Mark Henkle interned with Dr. Bill Best at Sustainable Mountain Agriculture.

It's hard to decide! Every participant got five tickets to place in the voting sacks next to the 'maters. Some folks wanted more tickets, and a few put all their tickets in one bag. 

Nancy and Sally are garden gals from way back - and they are taking their tasting very seriously. Since we had dozens of tomatoes to choose from, we had plenty of unsalted white crackers and water on hand to cleanse tasters' palates in between bites.

(Some bad smart-mouth boy suggested we offer Hellman's, bacon, fresh lettuce and "good white bread" next year, instead of crackers and water.  Michael Burd - was that you? Or was it that Donnie Skinner?...)