The 66th annual Pink Tomato Festival was off to a rough start with a big storm raging through Warren Friday morning. However, that did not stop the annual festival from continuing on and people from enjoying the festivities.
On Thursday, the Warren Lions Club hosted the Gospel Music Jamboree that featured The Lisemby Family at Immanuel Baptist Church. The event was free, but donations were accepted.
The Friday morning storm blew away several vendor booths that were set up. The small stage tent was damaged and was taken down. In the arts and crafts pavilion, vendors covered up their booths to protect their goods from the rain and wind. A tree downtown blocked the road and had to be removed. There were reports of trees around town being down, along with power outages.
Over 80 vendors sold a variety of products from baked goods to arts and crafts. The pavilion was packed with people.
First State Bank, Warren Bank and Trust, and Union Bank held their open houses on Friday.
The tomato packing contest took place on Friday. The winners of the age eight and under category were: Laynie Spraggins for first place, Emma Smith for second place, and Branton Smith for third place. In the age 9-14 category, Kaden Hammer placed first, Luke Webb placed second, and Jenna Scroggins placed third. In the age 15-19 category the winners were: Kaylee Nichols for first place, Weston Gavin, for second place, and Delfino Rivera for third place. In the adult category, the winners were: Anna Wegelin for first place, Cindy Norris for second place, and Gail Thompson for third place.
The Cutest Baby Contest was held at Immanuel Baptist Church. The winners and runners-up of each category are as follows:
0-5 Month Girls:
Winner: Mae Louise Stone
1st: Rylee Mae Book
2nd: Tinley Kate Miracle
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0-5 Month Boys:
Winner: Liam Alexander Martinez
1st: Owen Barnett
5 Month 1 Day – 9 Months Girls:
Winner: Willow Timberleigh Starr
1st: Harlyn Rhodes Clark
2nd: Halsyn Rae Hayes
5 Month 1 Day – 9 Months Boys:
Winner: Tucker Samuel Plumb
1st: Mason Wayne Fowler
2nd: Axel Chase Mann
9 Month 1 Day – 12 Months Girls:
Winner: Preslee McDougald
1st: Karter Jane Harton
2nd: Everly Ruth Welch
12 Months 1 Day-2 Years Girls:
Winner: Bexley Temple
1st: Charlee Rae-Lyn Simmons
2nd: Rayleigh Mae Meyer
12 Months 1 Day-2 Years Boys:
Winner: Hudson Grey Barnett
1st: Brentley Burch
2nd: Bradley Shaver
2 Years 1 Day-3 Years Girls:
Winner: Adley June White
1st: Abbigail Wright
2nd: Ella Rose Huntsman
3 Years 1 Day- 4 Years Girls:
Winner: Autumn Hope Sullivan
1st: Millie Jean Martin
2nd: Kiersey Kate Hicks
Derrick Rose performed comedy and magic at the courthouse square throughout the weekend. He also emceed the tomato eating contest.
Warren Bank and Trust sponsored the “Great Bowls of Fire” salsa contest on Friday evening. Judges tasted each contestants’ salsa. Lauren Bryant’s salsa won the “Best Looking” category. Holley McVay’s salsa won the “Best Tasting” category. Emmanuel Castillo’s salsa won the “Hottest” category.
Friday night ended with DJ Jam-a-Lot on West Cypress Street and a performance by Boots Bailey and the Boys on the main stage.
The Saturday events started off with the Tomato 5k Run/Walk. The event was sponsored by Emmerich and Scroggins.
Rain fell in the morning, putting doubt if the Pink Tomato Parade would still go on. However, it didn’t rain on this parade as the Pink Tomato Parade continued as planned. The rain soon stopped. There were many floats in the parade and special guests including Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
After the parade, there was a tomato eating contest sponsored by Union Bank. The contest kicked off with Bryan Sanders, husband of Sarah Huckabee Sanders, State Land Commissioner Tommy Land, State Representative Jeff Wardlaw, candidate Curley Jackson, State Senator Ben Gilmore, Attorney General candidate Jessie Gibson, Miss Pink Tomato Kaiden Hale, Teen Miss Pink Tomato Alli Cathey, and State Treasurer candidate Pam Whittaker. The winners were Wardlaw, Gilmore, and Sanders. In the age 12 and under category, the winners were Edie Gauge, Harley Caldwell, and Judson Green. In the professional category, the winners were Cody Gauge, Adam Towery, and Earl Charles.
The annual All Tomato Luncheon was held at First Baptist Church.
Jubilation Jazz performed on the small stage providing tunes while patrons enjoyed the festival.
The Little Miss Pink Tomato pageant was held at Immanuel Baptist Church. There were 11 pageant contestants. Maisyn Elle Milton was crowned Little Miss Pink Tomato. Londyn Rose Wiggins was named first runner-up and Zoamori Farmer was second runner-up.
Later that evening, there was a Hispanic DJ and activities on West Cypress Street.
Mary Heather Hickman opened up for the main act David Lee Murphy on the main stage.
A big crowd gathered on the courthouse square to hear artist David Lee Murphy on the main stage. The audience sang along to many of his songs.
The festival ended with the Grand Finale Fireworks Show sponsored by First State Bank.
Despite the rough weather, the festival continued on with a big turnout. The Pink Tomato Festival continues to be a success.
