Community Tradition Continues With 89th Annual Tomato Festival
The 89th Annual Tomato Festival returns to the city of Ellinger May 29-31, bringing a full weekend of food, music, competition, and small-town tradition.
Festival weekend kicks off Friday, May 29, with Chef’s Choice Entrée and Dessert contests, along with Chips & Salsa and Bartender’s Choice competitions. Live music from theAirplane Band will wrap up the evening from 8-11 p.m.
Saturday’s lineup features barbecue competitions in Brisket, Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Pork Butt, and Pinto Beans, as well as Farmer’s Breakfast and Adult Breakfast Beverage contests.
One of the newest attractions this year is the $1,000 Steak Shootout Cook-Off, giving grill masters a chance to compete for cash prizes, bragging rights, and top honors.
Families can also enjoy free kids activities including water slides and bouncy houses throughout the day, while festivalgoers can take part in the annual crowdfavorite Tomato Toss Contest beginning at 4 p.m.
More than $6,000 in prize money will be awarded during the BBQ Cook-Off and Steak Shootout competitions Award Ceremony on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
A Live Auction featuring a $500 Buyer’s Bonus is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday evening, followed by DJ entertainment. Mason Jar of La Grange and R & R Shaved Ice will also be on site Friday and Saturday serving festival attendees.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 31, community volunteers will serve the awesome Chamber fried chicken and sausage meal featuring homemade fried chicken, sausage, buttered potatoes, green beans, and sauerkraut. Plates will be available for $15 through both dine-in and drive-thru service while supplies last. The Sunday meal has long been one of the festival’s most cherished traditions, drawing families and visitors from across the area to enjoy a homemade meal and hometown hospitality.
Raffle tickets are also available for purchase now and during the festival. Only 1,200 tickets will be sold, with 50 prizes to be awarded. Tickets are $20 each or three for $50. Cash, check, and Venmo payments are accepted. You do not have to be present to win. The drawing will be held live at 1:30 p.m. Sunday via Facebook Live. To purchase tickets, call or text (979) 9668612.