Vibrant, juicy and flavorful tomatoes were the focus of Saturday’s 30th annual Tomato and Vine event in downtown Fairfield.
From giant red varieties to palm-sized green and yellow fruits to tiny but mighty single-bite ones, there was a tomato for every palate.
And they were all, of course, set in a long, white tented area where, basically, the magic happened.
Juanita Johnson, Superintendent of Operations, shared her excitement for the event, which was packed with equally excited tomato enthusiasts.
“It’s great,” she said.
He advised that there were 12 types of cherry tomatoes and 10 types of heirlooms for tasting. The most popular on Saturday afternoon was a green zebra and a soft black pineapple.
A local food truck showcases the restaurant’s entire tempting menu at Fairfield’s Tomato & Vine Festival. (Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter)
Nailah Gatewood and 9 1/2-year-old Isaiah tried slices of an orange-red San Lorenzo.
“It’s a little sweet,” said Nailah, “but it’s good.”
It’s been about three years since COVID-19 protocols put a damper on public gatherings, so the Suisun family was glad to be back for fun.
Isaiah said he enjoyed the tastings and that his favorites were the “red tomatoes,” probably the sweetest varieties. Most of all, he loved his tomato toy, an inflatable balloon tomato no bigger than his little hand.
Cayden Cradduck, 12, worked alongside his grandmother, Hilary Ploch.
He said he was doing his community service hours at Vacaville Christian Schools, and he was having fun at the same time. His tomato of the day was the San Lorenzo, which he explained is “mostly used in sauces.”
When asked if he personally likes the fruit, he replied, “huh.” Maybe it will grow on him with time.
Meanwhile, Portia Earls of Fairfield (she’s a Vallejo native), thoughtfully chopped a slice of orange blossom.
“They’re not sweet, but I still like them,” she declared.
He had the day off and decided to spend it outdoors among the community.
“Why not?” she mused.
Hundreds of people had the same thought, walking up and down Texas Street to taste tomatoes and browse vendor booths offering everything from bath products to skin care to jewelry to clothing and everything in between. there is in between. It was a great opportunity to start holiday shopping.
There were also information booths, live music and performers, and food trucks selling grilled food, friendly green tomatoes, desserts, and other goodies.
For the kids, a Fun Zone featured bounce houses and a climbing wall. Six-year-old Nathan Chambers, from Fairfield, dominated the latter, climbing it to the top before marking his victory and climbing back down.
“My dad and my brain just told me to go up and believe in myself,” he explained of his motivation.
The Tomato and Vine Festival continues on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m
Entry is free. Roads around Texas Street will be closed to traffic, so park on side streets or in lots available in the city and county.
Tomatoes will also be on sale, per se. Buy one bag for $10 or two for $15 and fill the bags with tomatoes. T-shirts are also on sale for $20.
