The streets of Fredericktown were alive with music, cheers, and tradition on Saturday, Sept. 6, as the 48th Annual Fredericktown Tomato Show Parade made its way through town, delighting crowds of all ages. With hundreds of people lining the sidewalks, the community came together once again to celebrate one of its most cherished traditions.
Starting and ending at the Fredericktown Police Station, the parade brought together residents, local organizations, and school groups in a lively procession that marked the grand finale of the four-day Tomato Show, an annual event held each year from the first Wednesday through Saturday after Labor Day.
The Boone family was one of many who enjoyed the Fredericktown Tomato Show parade on Saturday. From left are Quincey, Marley and Willow Boone.Denise Neff
Among the smiling faces in the crowd was long-time resident Chris Fields, who stood in the middle of the parade route, soaking in the sights and sounds of the day. “I’ve been coming to this parade for nearly 50 years!” she said. Fields moved to Fredericktown when she was just five years old from Columbus and has lived in the area ever since. “I love it here, so I stayed here,” she added.
Children eagerly gathered near the curb as firetrucks and local business owners tossed handfuls of candy into the crowd, a highlight for many of the youngest parade-goers. Laughter and cheers echoed along the parade route as kids scrambled to gather treats.
The Fredericktown High School Band was a crowd favorite once again this year. Dressed in crisp uniforms, the band danced down the street to the rhythmic sounds of their marching percussion section. Their lively steps and infectious energy brought the crowd to life, with many audience members clapping along and snapping photos.
The Fredericktown youth cheerleaders, junior high cheerleaders, and high school cheerleaders were also among the parade participants, proudly representing their teams as they made their way through the route.
Another highlight of the parade was the participation of this year’s Little Miss Tomato contest winners and contestants. Dressed in their finest, the young representatives of the Tomato Show waved to the crowd from decorated vehicles, receiving loud applause and cheers from spectators.
In true Fredericktown fashion, the parade also featured a lineup of local favorites, including vintage and modern tractors, shining red Fredericktown firetrucks, and dozens of athletes representing the town's strong football tradition. Varsity and junior varsity Fredericktown football players, along with members of the youth football teams, rode on decorated trailers and trucks, waving to the crowd and showing their school spirit.
The Fredericktown Tomato Show has long been more than just a fair — it’s a celebration of community spirit, heritage, and small-town pride. What began nearly five decades ago as a local showcase has evolved into a beloved event that draws generations of families back to the village each fall.
While the main attraction on Saturday was undoubtedly the parade, the entire Tomato Show was packed with events, contests, and attractions. However, for many residents, it’s the parade that remains the heart of the weekend.
As the final floats rolled past and the last handfuls of candy were tossed to eager kids, the community buzzed with memories made and anticipation for next year’s milestone 49th annual event. For people like Chris Fields, it’s a tradition that never gets old.
And for the hundreds who gathered to celebrate on a warm September afternoon, the Fredericktown Tomato Show Parade once again proved that the best traditions only get better with time.
