The Woodleaf Tomato Festival is an annual Rowan County original celebration of all things tomato in the town of Woodleaf that has been a center of tomato crops in the state for more than 125 years. The festival is held the third Saturday in August each year, because this is the time when tomato farmers are between their first and second crops of the season, giving them time to attend!
Tomato farming is a multi-million dollar crop in western and southern Rowan County, which makes it worthy of celebration! Rumor has it that just after the turn of the century, the Bailey brothers began farming tomatoes for market in Woodleaf. The soil was so rich, they referred to it as brown sugar.
The festival begins with a parade using along Woodleaf-Barber Road between the Woodleaf Volunteer Fire Department and Unity Church. Exciting events fill the day, such as a tomato eating contest, best tasting tomato contest and a tomato recipe cookoff contest, silent auction, yard sale, children’s play area, tomato hole tournament, live music, bake sales, plenty of food and so much more! Join in the fun of the children’s contests, Little ‘Mater Blossom, Little Miss Tomato Sprout and Little Tommy Toe. There will even be a 10-foot inflatable tomato on site!
Woodleaf Tomato Festival 2023
July 20, 2023
The small town of Woodleaf, N.C. may not seem like much, but one thing is for sure - they turn…
