All Tomato Luncheon Was a Huge Success

Mrs. Jean Frisby, Extension Home Economist at the
very first luncheon was in attendance. She has never
missed one of these events.

The 2013 All Tomato Luncheon, sponsored by The Mad Butcher, was a huge success as the First Baptist Church Activities Center was filled for the delicious meal planned and prepared by the Bradley County Extension Homemakers Clubs and served by the Hermitage FFA and 4-H. The tomatoes for the luncheon were donated by Deep Woods Farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. Terry Donnelly who also donated a special box for auctioning.

The program, which was kept to an hour, began with a welcome by Bradley County Judge Keith Neely. Master of Ceremonies Gregg Reep then introduced Rev. Philip Faris, the pastor of First Presbyterian Church who gave the Invocation. Mayor Bryan Martin recognized guests and was followed by Pink Tomato Festival Chairman Anthony Hearnsberger. Dr. Tony Windham, Associate Vice President for Agriculture-Extension-University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture spoke briefly about the University's role in tomato agriculture.

Senators Pryor and Boozman make
bi-partisan appearance at the podium.

The elected officials then took turns giving brief remarks: State Representative Jeff Wardlaw, State Senator Eddie Cheatham, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, and in a remarkable move, U.S. Sentors Mark Pryor and John Boozman joined in a bi-partisan effort and came to the podium together to address the crowd.

David King, President of the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, with the assistance of Mr. Hearnsberger, presented plaques to two inductees into the Pink Tomato Festival Hall of Fame. Mr. Charles Simpson who in past years served as the festival chairman for an unprecedented three times was one of the inductees. Mr. Tommy Burrow, who has served the Pink Tomato Festival Committee as Treasurer for a number of years was also inducted.

Mr. Charles Simpson - 2013 inductee
into Pink Tomato Hall of Fame

The Farm Family of the Year was then recognized. Craig Wardlaw's wife and two daughters came forward to accept the plaque on behalf of their family. It was pointed out that Craig was at work in the tomato fields, a testament to the hard work of the farmers in the region.

Chairman Hearnsberger addressed the crowd about events continuing during the festival and invited the people to attend the evening of musical entertainment.

Tommy Burrow inducted into PTF
Hall of Fame by Chairman
Anthony Hearnsberger

Tony Cathey, a well-known auctioneer and local businessman, was assisted by Miss Pink Tomato Cindy Nolan and Teen Miss Pink Tomato Ashton Outlaw in the auctioning of the box of tomatoes. Mr. Tommy Maxwell of Maxwell Hardwood Flooring purchased the box for $900, a sum that will go back into the festival revenue. Mr. Maxwell grew up in Warren and says that it will always have a special place in his heart.

County Extension Agent Michelle Carter concluded the program with closing remarks. She thanked everyone who worked so hard to make the luncheon a success.

Extension Agent Michelle Carter
gives appreciation to all who
contributed and attended the
All Tomato Luncheon.

Serving on the All Tomato Luncheon Committee were: Judy Simmons-chair, Michelle Carter-Co-chair, Nell Castleberry, Norma Johnston, Wanda Carr, JoAnn Johnson, Tabitha Herrington, Virginia Hargis, Shelby Kiersey, Georgia Mae Smith, Linda McDairmid, Robbie Ashcraft, Ken Simmons, Edith Castleberry, Ann Andrus, Sue Woodard, Karen Perry, Annette Temple, Linda Kercheval, Hardy Herrington, Sandra Dalsanto, Jean Boswell, and Louise Atkins.

The menu consisted of Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Tomato Green Beans, Tomato/Lettuce Salad, Rolls with Tomato Topping, Heavenly Tomato Cake, iced tea and coffee.

Recipes for the dishes were again inside the programs, and one guest at each table was the lucky winner of a basket of tomatoes.

Teen Miss Ashton Outlaw and Miss Pink Tomato Cindy Nolan assist Auctioneer Tony Cathey as he raises funds for research by auctioning off the box of tomatoes donated by Deep Woods Farm.

The Craig Wardlaw family was honored as the Farm Family of the Year.

Dr. Tony Windham speaks to the crowd.

The All Tomato Luncheon was originally created to provide a meal for the judges and contestants of the Miss Pink Tomato Pageant. In attendance this year was the first Miss Pink Tomato, Mrs. Ethel Grace Teague Wilson.