The idea for the Tomato Festival came about at the dedication of the plaque recognizing Alexander W. Livingston for his contribution to the further development of the edible tomato and declaring Reynoldsburg the birthplace of the commercial tomato.
In 1965, the first event celebrating the introduction of the first commercially successful tomato was called the Tomato Fair and was held in conjunction with the Jaycees July 4th celebration and the Fireman's Jubilee. The first fair was held in the Kroger's Main Street parking lot. In September 1966 the Tomato Fair was separated from the July 4th celebration and became the Tomato Festival. Over the years the festival expanded and in September 1974 was accepted as a member of the Ohio Festival and Events Association. The festival was moved to Kennedy Park, but lack of space for expansion, caused the festival to be moved to Huber Park. The festival was held there until the Senior Center was built. In 1987, the festival moved to its present 156-acre site at Civic Park, 6800 Daugherty Drive, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival is a family and community-centered multi-day event, starting the Wednesday after Labor Day with a Grand Parade on Sunday. The festival’s activities include the Tomato Queen Pageant, the Little Princess Contest, the Senior King and Queen Contest, tallest tomato plant contest, largest tomato contest, tomato exhibits, fresh tomato sales, free tomato juice, free entertainment nightly, souvenirs, food, rides, arts and crafts tents, community tent, booths of local businesses and organizations, car cruise-in and much more.
The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival would not be possible without the community's participation in conjunction with the volunteers, who work year round planning and arranging the festival. If you need information about any of the festival's activities or events, please call TOMATO-1 (866-2861) or visit their web site at www.reynoldsburgtomatofestival.org.