Tomato Art Fest- The Best Fest?

Tomato Art Fest
Saturday, August 13th
10 am-6 pm
Five Points, East Nashville
Cost: FREE
Voted “Best Festival” in the 2007, 2008, 2009, AND 2010 Nashville Scene Reader’s Polls, it’s a crying shame that I haven’t been able to attend East Nashville’s Tomato Art Fest before now. Every year I’ve had other commitments or been out of town, but not this year!
From what I’ve heard and pics I’ve seen, it’s quite a fun day (hot perhaps, but still fun). Art, music, tomato cocktails, and creative tomato treats abound. Apparently Pied Piper Creamery has served up some fantastic tomato orange cardamom ice cream in the past….I can only hope they do so again!
I’ve even heard there will be a recipe contest but can’t seem to find any details on it. Anyone know about this?
So for those of you that have been before, is there something specific that I need to seek out? Any good tips for me?
For more information and directions, please visit the official website.
The last two years I’ve found out that it’s happening AS IT WAS happening and I of course was traveling on my way to some other event so I don’t know much about it other than you gotta park early or youre gonna have to walk a LOT!
If you get any more details please post!
Thanks
you *must* attend – we go every year (since we live just a few blocks away) + it’s a blast! marche hosts a multi-course tomato dinner with wine pairings (next thursday) that i think you would love, too. we’ll be there + at the festival, too -hope to see you there!
Havent heard of this festival before! FYI If you go to their website and scroll quite a ways down, they list the details regarding the recipe contest. YOu must make a salad featuring tomatoes as the main ingredient.
duh! thanks for pointing that out. not sure how I missed it….
I am hoping that we’ll be going to the Opry that night to see Vince.
~sigh~
As good as homegrown tomatoes? You decide.
If we get out of the Boonies that night to go to the Opry, maybe we’ll drive over to East Nashville first, and check out the Tomato Festival. I’ve never been either.
We went last year and while it was fun, it was so blazing hot!! Why people plan outside events in the south during the summer is beyond me. Las Paletas was there and I think I had like 3 popsicles to cool me down :)
I attended last year and the festival is great for all the reasons listed prior. Lots of great vendors and everyone in a generally good mood.
One note: last year was the hottest I have ever been in my life & I am able to handle heat as I’m a Mississippi native. The bars in 5 points had room temperature water at best and the air conditioning was not running as all the doors were open. Hydrate before-hand and carry your own iced down water bottle. This year is hotter than last so you’ll want to ward off any heat-exhaustion to be able to enjoy the day.
I’ve been the last two years and both years were miserably hot, which is why I’m not going this year. I will say the food is fabulous and there’s so much to look at. Get there a tad bit before lunch to avoid melting waiting in line for food. Izzie’s & Las Paletas was my saving grace last year to keep cool!
You & Shannon have me scared now. I am not a happy camper in extreme temps, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that maybe we’ll have a slight cool down by then. I really want to go, but don’t think I can handle 100 degrees!
it is HOT. really hot. however, i heard that they’ll offer misting tents this year. i think the key is choosing the one or two events you don’t want to miss and make sure to hit those, rather than trying to be there all day. the temps – and layout, really – aren’t conducive for meandering about.
i’ve heard the Friday preview party is great fun. i plan to be there for the recipe contest, which i also plan to win. ;)
FYI… The Opry has a recipe contest that is running right now… on Opry’s Facebook Page. Here’s the link: http://www.facebook.com/grandoleopry?sk=app_149296805151994