We are very proud of our county, the people in it, and the tomatoes of course and you captured the essence of this beautiful dot on a big map perfectly. The Grainger County Tomato Festival is an annual event held in Grainger County, TN. “There’s no one up here that will grow hundreds of acres and ship them everywhere,” Longmire says. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A longtime participant in the Pick Tennessee Products program, most of his tomatoes are marketed to Wal-Mart. Our story teller is Harry Bumgardner, a member of the Sons of the Revolution. Grainger County is limestone country, and it's the limestone-based soil that makes the tomatoes both sweet and tart. Photos - Grainger County Tomato Festival TN. Cherokee lake provides endless opportunities to get out and enjoy our beautiful county… Attention to safe practices is focused on everything from the quality of the soil where the tomatoes are grown, to the cleanliness of the packing facility, to the delivery to the markets. Grainger County TN used to be the premier growing location for farms that produced great home grown tomatoes but the loss of mom and pop stores forced most of the growers to change to the terrible, hard, mealy, tasteless tomatoes they sell in chain supermarkets. "Grainger County tomatoes mean the world to Grainger County and the reason is, we don't have a lot of industry. According to the festival's website, "The Grainger County Tomato Festival was organized in 1992 to promote our world-famous Grainger County Tomatoes. The County Clerk is a constitutional officer and is elected by the people for a term of four years. Grainger County border Knoxville, TN on the east side. Farm Flavor profiles America's hardworking farmers and ranchers who produce our food, fuel and fiber, connecting consumers to the country's vital agriculture industry. Grainger county is a rural county whose primary industry is agriculture. GRAINGER COUNTY, Tenn. — With reports of prices potentially rising for tomatoes from Mexico, Grainger County tomato farmers say locals won't have to worry about where the tomato … Business: Grainger County Chamber of Commerce. To get a taste of the famous tomatoes, visitors can attend the annual Grainger County Tomato Festival, touted as the largest free festival in the state. Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and - resource development. Tomatoes are also available on-site at many farms and farmers markets, usually beginning April 1. Grainger County, Tennessee For amateur farmers and backyard gardeners, Anthony will be posting mp3 files explaining what needs to be done in the garden each season of the year. Farmers' Markets around Grainger County, TN. Enjoy Grainger County's local food offerings. Be sure and visit the long hunter's camp located near the Living History area. Anthony Carver, Grainger County Extension director, says that the region’s tomatoes are known for having a rich garden flavor, with a homegrown texture and appearance. The Grainger County Clerk’s Office has numerous duties to include several types of licenses. … Find more information at graingercountytomatofestival.com. Crops: Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Beans, Peppers, Onions, Watermelons, Cantaloupe, Peas, Pumpkins & Strawberries. We're in a very rural community, a very rural area. No portion of this website may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Stratton Tomato Farm will be having early varieties of ripe tomatoes from the greenhouse on our farm starting in May. We also have some folks that can help you with your genealogy research. He knows most everything a man needs to know about the early history of our country. Find information on exactly where our food comes from, along with delicious recipes, helpful tips and reliable data. The Parks and Recreation staff believes that as a community we can come together through recreation and service 5.1K likes. He was inducted into the International Hall of Fame in Atlanta, sponsored by the Inventors Clubs of America, with two distinguished awards plus a doctorate in science and technology for pioneering research involving children’s fingerprints. Postponed July 24, 25, & 26 2020 Postponed. We mainly focus on tomatoes, but we also grow beans, cucumbers, pepper… Grainger County . They have such a good flavor,” says Steve Longmire, owner of Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes in Rutledge, the county seat. … “The limestone-based soil breaks down quicker than other bedrock bases. Why Grainger County, Tennessee, Tomatoes Are So Tasty. Under the Spreading Chestnut Tree, The Village Smithy Stands. Thank you for this incredible honor.. Grainger County Tomato Festival, Rutledge, Tennessee. We also produce green house tomatoes beginning in early April thru June. Additional Information: Farm tours and school tours available. Extension Agent . Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes is run by Steve Longmire. Your email address will not be published. MDBox: Food City recently announced its partnership with Reliant Immune Diagnostics to offer MDBox telehealth to our valued … Appalachian Electric Cooperative 25 Years, Go to the pageant page for sponsors, flyer, and names of the Court winners. If you would like to request information to be posted, please email us [email protected]. Location (s): 175 Greelee Road. He has responded to many major disasters including the Columbia Space Disaster, the World Trade Center and Hurricane Katrina. Just stay socially distanced. Grainger County is located at the Cross Roads of History. The goings on at the Grainger County Tomato Festival These photos are representation of what is going on at The Grainger County Tomato Festival throughout the years.We have artists, great food, farmers, authors, living history camp, tomato wars and much much more. The Grainger County Tomato Festival was organized in 1992 to promote our world famous Grainger County Tomatoes. Greenhouse Tomato Production . Grainger County, nestled in the eastern part of Tennessee, seems like another unassuming rural region with a small, but content, population of about 22,660. Hours: Friday noon to 8pm. We grow top-quality produce. Rutledge Tn 37861. 2017's Fearless Leader Call for directions. 9.1K likes. You will find David by the big tree in the living history area. Grainger County tomatoes are tomatoes that are grown in the county of Grainger in the eastern part of the state of Tennessee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from East Tennessee State University with further studies at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The festival is attended by as many as 50,000 people from surrounding counties, states and even other countries. Grainger County Historic Society is responsible for collecting, examining, restoring and replicating Grainger Counties History. Region: East - Grainger County. Those guidelines include detailed policies regarding production, packing, distribution and handling of fresh tomatoes. One is the range of varieties grown by the farmers. Kids Camp! Tomatoes are the main commodity and these “World Famous Tomatoes” are highlighted annually the last weekend in July at the Grainger County Tomato Festival. Directions. Our Grainger County tomtatoes will be offered all the way from May - October. In 2002, under the supervision of the Grainger County Public Records Commission, assisted by personnel from the Tennessee State Library and Archives, the permanent-value records were transferred from the courthouse basement and the old high school auditorium to the top floor of the old Rutledge High … Wal-Mart is very strict on food safety and we have strict guidelines we have to go by,” Longmire says. Your email address will not be published. “It’s a combination of the soil and varieties we grow. Grainger County is known for its historic and agriculture preservation. The 28th annual Grainger County Tomato Festival was canceled this year because of COVID-19, but the farmers still grew acres of the juicy red treats. Look here for a list of producers, and drive up to Grainger County to say hello. This allows our soil to be on the acidic side, which is transferred to the tomato, giving it that great taste,” Carver says. And just as important to Grainger County farmers as producing a deliciously tasty tomato is producing a safe tomato. Dean Turley Tomatoes 200 Turley Mills Dr., Rutledge 865-805-3429 However, this rural county is well known throughout the produce world for one delicious, prized crop – the tomato. Sunday noon to 5pm. However, this rural county is well known throughout the produce world for one delicious, prized crop – the tomato. “We are direct to stores, not through warehouses,” he says. The festival occurs the last full weekend of July. He has been constructing period correct black powder accoutrements since 1965. Although world-famous for Grainger County tomatoes, Grainger has much to offer as a community, place of business, and also, for recreation. The county celebrates the tomato in an annual festival since 1992. One farmer is taking extra precautions to get the crops growing, but he's still looking for a little help from outside sources. Longmire started Tennessee Homegrown Tomatoes in 1982 on his 252-acre farm, which includes 34 greenhouses with three more planned. Be sure and bring the young folks by to see him because h. We look forward to his flint lock demonstrations and we hope he brings the 50 caliber! Plus, we give them a lot of TLC.”. Grainger County Population: 22,766 (2011) Government: Grainger County, Tennessee. Who knew an ear of corn or fresh tomato could improve your health, your community and the environment, all at the same time? “There’s no comparison to our tomatoes. Fresh produce around Grainger County, TN! “We have about 70 growers and 650-plus greenhouses devoted to tomato production. The south-central part of the county is ground zero for growing tomatoes. The Grainger County Archives was established in 2001 by the Grainger County Commission. “They want to know if the soil has the correct pH and how the watering system is being managed. Grainger County, nestled in the eastern part of Tennessee, seems like another unassuming rural region with a small, but content, population of about 22,660. Grainger County, TN. Grainger County Courthouse 8095 Rutledge Pike, Suite 104 Rutledge, TN 37861 may be purchased at Smith’s Drug Store in Rutledge, Okie’s II Pharmacy in Blaine, Grainger Today in Bean Station, and at the festival. Location: Lakeshore Rd 3.5 miles from Hwy 92. He grows red, yellow, Roma and green tomatoes, all in the “fresh market” category. By Anthony Carver . The annual Grainger County Tomato Festival is attended by over 20,000 people. Carver says that there are a couple of aspects that give Grainger County tomatoes the best possible flavor. We are a small agricultural community with a population of approximately 22,800. All of that plays into the flavor of our tomatoes.”. You are welcome back next year in 2021 for the biggest and best festival we will ever have. Grainger County, nestled in the eastern part of Tennessee, has been growing tomatoes since the 40s which was then passed down through generations to create a variety of tomatoes … Our predominately rural county focuses on agriculture, a rich history that includes Civil War markers, with a Civil War Museum in Bean Station, and lots of campgrounds and marinas. Prices are $12 for sizes small, medium, large and extra large and $15 for sizes 2XL and 3XL. The last aspect is the management from the farmers. “Our farmers understand the breakdown and chemical reactions of the plant,” Carver says. In 2018, Grainger County was reported to have over 650 greenhouses, 923 farms producing 500 acres of field vegetables, and nearly 90,000 acres of farmland. He makes black powder bags, powder horns, blowing "fox" horns & knives. In fact, almost all of Grainger County’s tomatoes are fresh market, meaning they’re meant to be eaten as close to home as possible. © 2021 Journal Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Grainger County tomatoes have in recent decades become nationally and internationally renowned. This includes but is not limited to vehicle licenses, marriage licenses, county beer licenses and business licenses. Our Mission: Grainger County Parks and Recreation, through our programs and facilities, strives to provide avenues for community, activity, and leadership. Tennessee Valley Uncharted for this fantastic show about our festival and farmers. We have several accomplished authors at the festival this year. [email protected]. Held the last full weekend in July, the festival aims to promote all of Grainger County agriculture, but specifically tomatoes, with lots of vendors, entertainment and more. Painting by Wendy Leedy. We’re floating anywhere from 475 to 500 acres of fresh-market tomatoes,” he says. Another is the soil that the tomatoes are grown in. The county was formed in 1796 with Rutledge as its county seat. Phone #'s: (865) 828-8316 Fax: (865) 828-3199. Home > Tennessee > Tennessee Crops & Livestock > Why Grainger County, Tennessee, Tomatoes Are So Tasty. Our mission is to promote all Grainger County agricultural products, specifically the Grainger County Tomato, and to promote the many local artists, authors, talent, and craftsmen we have in our area. Saturday 9am to 6pm. I have been serving Grainger County since 2010. is an internationally award winning patented inventor, researcher, lecturer and writer, a Certified Latent Print Examiner and a certified police instructor. Grainger County houses some of the oldest and most distinguished records relating exclusively to Tennessee. Grainger County Tennessee. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. My main purpose is to uphold this office with integrity, professionalism, and transparency while serving our citizens with courtesy, respect and efficiency. Rutledge, TN 37861. Mr. Bohanan twice received the Knoxville Police Officer of the Year award. New to Living History this year is David L. Adams of Tennesseans for Living History. Grainger County, Tennessee Farmers' Markets! “Without food safety practices, we wouldn’t be selling to any chain stores. Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility Three-Step Process Mr. Bohanan created the first Internet Crimes Against Children, ICAC, task force in Tennessee in 1998 and worked in an online undercover capacity until he retired in May of 2001 as a Police Specialist III, former AFIS Manager and a Senior Forensic Examiner with the Knoxville Police Department (26 years). Longmire delivers them to individual stores so that consumers receive the freshest tomato possible. Grainger County Tomato Festival. 7480 Rutledge Pike. He also assisted in eight airline crashes to help identify the human remains. Morgan's Farm is located in southern Grainger County, TN. Welcome to Grainger County Parks & Recreation! In addition, we grow strawberries, cucumbers, beans, vegetable & bedding plants. Additional Information: Grainger County tomato grower. They are all inside with the air conditioning where you can meet them, buy their books and get them personalized. Lakeview Farms is run by Jerry Baird. Required fields are marked *. Many around East Tennessee look forward to the juicy tomatoes grown in Grainger County, but this year they're getting off to a rough start thanks to this month's heavy rains. Click below to access the three-step COVID vaccine eligibility process. 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