Winners all around at Tomato Festival

There were winners all around at last Saturday's Tomato Festival. The tastiest tomato was the lemon boy grown by Chet and Linda Bower, followed by jet star, golden rave and jet setters. The Bowers also grow the jet star. The Corpsteins grow the golden rave and the Shelters grow the jet setters. Congratulations to all.

The sidewalk chalk art contest yielded colorful fun for the children -- and onlookers. All participants received a painter's hat, provided by Ace Hardware, a box of crayons, pencils and Play-Doh.

Kyleigh Tucker, Haley Sachaw and John Tucker, all of Fort Scott, will receive coupons for honey bears in the 4-7 age group. In the 8-13 age group, Samantha Hughes of Basehor and Cole Hall of Fort Scott will receive coupons.

There's no choosing the winner among the tomato dishes Chris Maycumber made. They were all so tasty. I had never had tomato pie or tomato bread soup before, but I will in the future.

We will get the receipts from Chris, and with his permission, list them on our Facebook page.

The market vendors and shoppers were treated to free water by the Friends of the Fort.

A big heartfelt thank you to Miss Elaine, Randy, Chris and all of those who made the Tomato Festival fun, and to all of you shoppers who came out even in the heat. Thank you for your loyal support.

A reminder that next Tuesday evening, Aug. 16, is the Super Tuesday basket drawing. Along with the fresh produce and other products from the market will be a gift certificate to La Hacienda restaurant.

A great selection of produce continues to come into the market ranging from cabbage, summer squash, cucumbers and okra to tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, herbs, eggplant, watermelons, cantaloupe, peaches and fall squash.

Other products include jams, jellies, baked goods and craft items.

Buy fresh, buy local and shop your hometown.