ELLINGER — It’s that time of year again. The Ellinger Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to come out and celebrate the 88th Annual Historical Tomato Festival, running Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25. This beloved local tradition promises a lively three-day weekend packed with flavor, fun, and tomato-themed festivities, blending small-town charm with genuine Texas hospitality for the whole family to enjoy.
For all you great cooks out there, the festival kicks off Friday night with Chef’s Choice Competitions. Categories include Savory Entrée, Sweet Dessert, Chips & Salsa, and Margaritas. Enjoy live music by the Airplane Band featuring Mason Dykowski, Alvin Minarcik, Franklin Hruska, and Josh Gertson, playing a lively mix of Country, Rock, Blues, Czech, German, and Cajun music from 8 to 11 p.m.
For early risers, the fun continues Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. with the 4th Annual Tomato Trot Fun Run/Walk. Gather some friends and join us for a 5K run/ walk. Cooking continues in the morning with Farmer’s Breakfast and Bloody Mary competitions.
On Saturday afternoon, back by popular demand, there is the Tomato Toss Competition. Will your two-person team be victorious over the defending champions? You and your partner will toss and catch REAL TOMATOES. The winning teams will share the $500 purse, so start practicing now!
And don’t miss the exciting new addition this year: a water slide, perfect for kids looking to cool off in the Texas heat.
Barbecue teams from near and far will compete all day in Brisket, Chicken, Pork Spare Rib, Pork Butt, and Pinto Bean Cook-offs. The theme for this year’s cook-off is Hillbilly Holidays. Which team will take the coveted Showmanship Award and hold bragging rights for the year?
Returning for its fifth year, join us for the fan favorite Chopped Challenge with Secret Ingredients and Local Celebrity Judges: Chef John Tohill owner of Jay Dee’z Sports Grill, Noel Sanchez owner of Noel’s Kitchen along with his sidekick, Grace Sanchez, Jamie Beck Mikulik owner of Jamie’s Cafe in Flatonia, Jason Vasut, chief inside cook at Peters BBQ and owner of Vasut Catering, plus a surprise local celebrity judge.
Round one occurs Friday night, with the final showdown on Satur day afternoon. Do you have what it takes to create a delicious meal with secret ingredients while the clock counts down? Sign up soon for this exciting event. If cooking is not your thing, come cheer on your favorite team in the live final showdown under the ECC pavilion, where the Ellinger Pantry will be fully stocked just like on TV!
Following the awards ceremony, stick around for the live auction. Purchase an item in the live auction and be entered for a chance to win a $500 Buyer’s Bonus (must be present to win).
Saturday winds down as you dance the night away to DJ music. Iced cold beverages will be available Friday and Saturday.
Sunday wraps up the Tomato Festival with ECC President Michael Schlabach saying, “Come hungry for our famous Chamber Fried Chicken and Sausage Drive Thru or Dine-in Dinner.”
Serving begins at 10:30 a.m. Plates are $15. A limited number of raffle tickets with 50 great priz es are available for $20 or three for $50. Get yours today!
Visit www.ellingertexas.com for details on all the fun and to register for any of the food competitions.
Come experience the flavor of tradition and small-town hospitality Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25 in Ellinger, where history and hospitality meet.
