The Leamington Tomato Festival committee members, front row, Anne Gerhardt, Dave Campbell, Sandee Bradt, Louie Saad. Back row are Tomato Fest co-chair Stan Brophey, Trillium Foundation representative Angelo Minato and MP Pat Hoy. (QMI Agency)

Hottest Canadian summer fests

LEAMINGON, ONTARIO - Organizers of this year’s Leamington Tomato Festival have all but completed the final preparations for this year’s event.

And the major change for the 27th annual celebration is the move from its traditional venue at Seacliff Park to the Robson Rd. Park.

“We’ve managed to fit it all in and believe it will work well,” said committee chairman Dave Campbell.

While the major events are slated on the weekend of Aug. 21-22 the festival kicks off on Aug. 18 with the tapping of the tomato keg at the Tomato Tourist Booth at 11 a.m. and the golf tournament on the same day at Erie Shores golf club.

Campbell said the festival is back with a full slate of events and family fun for the weekend.

“I know some people are concerned about the parking but we feel there is as much parking in the Robson park area as there is at Seacliff,” said Campbell.

The festival will be allowed to use the large vacant lot to the northeast.

As well, there will be parking available on the dock area because the Pelee Island ferry is now traveling from Kingsville.

As well, people could also park in the ball diamond area with a five-minute walk down the trail to the site.

While the car show has traditionally been held at Seacliff Park, this year it moves to a new location in uptown Leamington on the Sunday afternoon.

Other Essex County towns are using their uptowns for similar events and drawing upwards of 500 vehicles, said Campbell.

Twelve competitors are entered in the festival pageant to held Thursday, Aug. 19 at the Kinsmen complex.

Friday is also a big night at the park as Crystal Gage and the local band Nemesis will be on stage, following the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

The parade is on Saturday morning and organizers are still looking for more entrants for it. Three marching bands will participate in the parade.

The tomato stomp is at 1 p.m. followed by main stage entertainment all day long with the evening’s performance a special feature - tribute bands for Chicago, Rod Stewart and Ray Charles.

A special feature, begun last year, is the wine and food area.

“Two local wineries, Pelee Island and Aleksander are pleased to participate in the festival,” said Campbell.

Except for the tribute bands, Campbell stressed the festival has managed to obtain much of its needs, from entertainment to tents from the community itself.

“When you start to work at it you really begin to realize what is a available locally,” he said.

The entertainment on Sunday includes belly dancers, an Italian choir and a Celtic army.

There are two events that begin early on Sunday, the 5km walk/run and Lions Club pancake breakfast.

That afternoon is the annual firefighters’ water barrel competition and 12-15 teams are expected to compete in the event at the dock.

Also during the weekend is the special section for children and craft and other vendors.

“I know we’re looking for more golfers in that tournament and more parade entries but everything is set,” said Campbell.

Anyone wishing to enter any events or contact the festival can call its office at 519-326-2878.