By Cindi Hamar
For Lebanon Local
Attendees at the annual Tomato Fest were greeted by two young ladies dressed as tomatoes, and the air was filled with the aroma of tomato delicacies.
Photos by Cindi Hamar
A line of participants could be seen waiting to experience the fresh-cut tomato samples of at least 75 different types of tomatoes.
The fourth annual Tomato Fest, hosted by Linn County Master Gardeners Association, was held Sept. 27 at the Lebanon Senior Center. This year’s event had more than 70 volunteers and approximately 30 vendors. The estimated attendance was more than 650.
“Last year we had over 1,000 attendees, unlike the first year with only a crowd of 100 attendees,” said Sheryl Casteen, who oversaw the event.
Casteen said the event started back when the Lebanon Community School District wanted to host garden classes for students as a motivational source to grow food. As a Master Gardener, she accepted the assignment.
“It continued to grow and soon I was giving classes for all ages that lasted approximately six weeks, ending in May. The Tomato Fest is a way to swap seeds and let others know about how many varieties of tomatoes there are and all the resources available to help people wanting to learn more.”
The Tomato Fest had fresh produce available for the taking. There was also a table swap of free seeds, allowing attendees to thumb through the available index of herbs, flowers and vegetable seeds available from the hundreds of seeds donated for the event.
Robert Waterhouse offers samples of his hazelnut shortbread cookies and hazelnut oil.
Additionally, there were three tomato soups simmering in crock pots for attendees to try – creamy tomato garlic, tomato orange bisque and Tuscan tomato white bean soup, all free to be sampled.
To name but a few of the additional samples at vendors tables, there were: tomato bacon jam at a booth manned by Darlene Chambers; hazelnut shortbread cookies by Corylus Farms, where Robert Waterhouse sold his hazelnut oil; seasonings by Stan Lewis’ Hillbilly Pops; and then a popular table with various fresh salsas.
Jean Chapin Gardens, president of Master Gardeners, handed out information on future workshops he will personally be giving: Spring Blooms on Oct. 11 and Oct. 25; Winter Blooms on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8; and Pumpkin Floral Centerpiece on Nov. 24-25. Interested people can register by emailing Chapin at [email protected].
OSU Linn County Extension volunteers Patty Basey, left, and Pam Derrickson, right, provide recipes and information on canning and drying produce.
Author Linda Ziedrich manned a table with her four books, “The Joy of Jams, Jellies and other Preserves,” “The Joy of Pickling,” “First Fruits” and “The Curious Kitchen Gardener.”
Linn County OSU Extension Service Master Gardeners Patty Basey and Pam Derrickson were available for questions. They also handed out information on classes about cleaning mason bee cocoons, canning salsa and tomatoes, and drying and freeing fruits and vegetables.
Each attendee at the Tomato Fest received a raffle ticket, and more than 30 gifts were given out.
For future information on the Tomato Fest, contact Casteen at 541-401-7677, or via email at [email protected].
Marley Filips and Melanie Wilder greet visitors in appropriate attire at the annual Tomatofest held at the Lebanon Senior Center.
Sheryl Casteen, who oversees the annual event, makes herself available to answer questions.
Darlene Chambers offers samples and the recipe to her tomato bacon jam.
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