Fredericktown Tomato Show returns for 48th year Sept. 3-6

The 48th annual Fredericktown Tomato Show is set to kick off with fun, food, music and, of course, tomatoes.

The festival will run Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Saturday in downtown Fredericktown. It officially kicks off Wednesday with the opening ceremonies at 6:15 p.m., and there’s plenty to do that evening.

The Little Miss Tomato contest is the highlight of the evening, as 6-year-olds from Fredericktown School District compete for prizes at 7 p.m. The Cornerstone Community Church Praise team will entertain guests at 7:30 p.m. at the gazebo.

Thursday gets hopping with a Royal Princess Party, from 6-9 p.m. The Kids’ and Critters’ Parade strolls down Main Street at 6:30 p.m. and Schoolhouse Rock will entertain those in attendance beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Friday is all about babies and pets. The Traveling Acres Petting Zoo will set up shop at the square with animals of all types from 3-9 p.m. At 6 p.m., a baby crawling contest will see who’s the fastest, and then at 8 p.m., Bad Influence will take the stage and entertain the audience.

Saturday will be a day full of fun. It begins with a 5K run around town at 9 a.m. The parade, with the theme “America’s Pastime,” will be held at 12:30 p.m. David and Patricia Dumbaugh are this year’s parade marshals.

A cornhole toss and big wheel races will be in the afternoon, followed by the always fun and wet Bathtub Races at 5:30 p.m. A limited-edition plate auction will be offered on the main stage at 7:30 p.m. and award-winning country artist Julia Neville will entertain the rest of the evening, beginning at 8 p.m.