It's
more than just red, ripe tomatoes
by
Abby Grimmett, posted Sept. 12, 2007
Red,
green, yellow and even purple tomatoes were the fare at the
third annual Tomato Festival held at the MU Bradford Research
and Extension Center.
The
event, which was Thursday, Sept. 6, featured 56 different
varieties of tomatoes and more than 30 varieties of peppers.
Visitors of all ages came to the free event to sample the
tomatoes and peppers and even try salsa from local vendors
including LaCasita, Copper Kettle, Campus Dining Services,
Jack’s, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Chipotle and Rio Grande.
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The main portion of the tomato festival was held under the tent where tomato varieties were available to taste and rate for a best-taste contest. |
Sue
Priest, a volunteer and representative of the Audrain County
Master Gardeners from Mexico, Mo., enjoyed the event.
“It
gives you a good chance to taste the different varieties and
find flavors that suit your palette,” she said.
Throughout
the afternoon, people had the opportunity to become more educated
about agriculture and have a little fun in the process. Part
of the reason this event was organized three years ago was
to do just that.
“Everybody
likes tomatoes, and this is one thing in Columbia that brings
people together to see that there’s a lot more than
just red ripe tomatoes,” said Tim Reinbott, Bradford
Farms’ superintendent. “It’s a lot of fun
and education for the general public.”
Reinbott
also said the festival is a great way to utilize the resources
of MU and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
since the farm is an extension of the University.
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Visitors had the chance to explore the gardens where the tomatoes were grown, above.
Sue Priest, left, a Mexico, Mo., resident, samples one of the many varieties of tomatoes at the festival.
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The
event has come to be quite a project. Preparation began in
April with the planting of all the tomatoes. Leslie Shaw,
a CAFNR alumna and horticulture coordinator at the farm, was
responsible for most of the ‘dirty work’ this
year. She wanted to take on the job because she knew the event
would appeal to a wide range of people, but she could have
fun, too.
“Last
year when I started planning, I had no idea what I was getting
into,” Shaw said.
She
started the tomato plants in the greenhouse in the spring
and then transplanted them outdoors in June. Although it is
a lot of work, she does enjoy it. Shaw earned a degree in
horticulture from MU and is glad she can be utilizing her
education in this way.
“I
feel worn out, but I do feel so proud of this event because
it has turned out so well,” Shaw said.
Indeed
it did. More than 350 were in attendance from Columbia and
surrounding areas. The Martin family of Columbia certainly
enjoyed their trip to the farm.
“It’s
amazing to see the wide array of all the tomatoes,”
said nine-year-old Sam Martin. “I have been learning
a lot and having fun.”
