Lauderdale County Tomato Festival facts for kids

The Lauderdale County Tomato Festival is a fun yearly event in Ripley, Lauderdale County, U.S.A. It's a big celebration of the amazing tomato! People come together to enjoy all sorts of activities centered around this popular fruit.

What Happens at the Festival?

This festival is packed with exciting things to do for everyone. One of the main attractions is a special tomato contest. People also try to create the "World's Longest 'Mater Sandwich," which is a huge and tasty challenge!

Fun Activities for Everyone

Besides the tomato-themed events, the festival offers many other attractions. You can enjoy thrilling carnival rides. There's often a display of "special treasures" to see. You might also find cool antique cars on display. Sometimes, people even have playful tomato throwing fun!

History of the Festival

The Lauderdale County Tomato Festival first started in 1984. It began right in the town square of Ripley. From the very beginning, it was a place for the community to gather and have a good time.

Early Days and Growth

In its early years, the festival featured many local talents. Visitors could enjoy delicious tomato tasting sessions. There were always plenty of fun activities designed especially for children. Over the years, the festival grew into a beloved tradition.

A Brief Pause

After 36 years of continuous celebration, the festival faced a challenge. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers had to cancel the event. It was a tough decision, but they planned to bring the festival back in 2021. This showed how important safety was for everyone attending.