JACKSONVILLE, Texas — The City of Jacksonville will be celebrating its 40th annual Tomato Fest on Saturday, June 8. Tomato Fest celebrates the tomato farming heritage of Jacksonville, which was once known as "The Tomato Capital of the World."
From 8 a.m. through 3 p.m., visitors can view a car show, talent shows, tomato eating contests, and other entertainment along Commerce Street. Approximately 300 vendors from across East Texas are also expected to be in attendance.
On Saturday evening, Chili's will host the Tomato Fest Street Dance from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to end the festival, with live entertainment by Brian Chance Band, Joint Custody and Don Louis.
Preceding the annual festival is a week-long celebration across the city that includes competitions and events that recognize the city's tomato crop, including a Diced Cooking Competition at Kiepersol Salt Room on June 5 and a showing of the history of the history of the tomato industry at the Texana Museum from June 6 through 8. A full list of activates leading up to Saturday's event can be found here.