WARREN, Ark. – The First Baptist Church Activities Center in Warren was abuzz with excitement on Saturday, June 10, 2023, as the Bradley County Extension Homemakers Clubs hosted the highly anticipated 2023 Bradley County All Tomato Luncheon. The event, organized by the All Tomato Luncheon Committee, brought together tomato enthusiasts from near and far to celebrate the vibrant tomato season in the region.
Top photo: Thomas Frazer(fourth from right) with his family after winning the first box of tomatoes auction.
The luncheon, a testament to the community’s culinary prowess, featured an array of mouthwatering tomato-based delights. Attendees were treated to delectable BLT sandwiches, accompanied by crispy potato chips, tangy Green Tomato Pickles, and a heavenly tomato cake that left taste buds craving for more. To wash it all down, iced tea flowed generously. The event would not have been possible without the kind donation of 90 pounds of bacon by Petit Jean Meats, adding the perfect touch to the BLT sandwiches.
Several local businesses and organizations generously sponsored the event, showing their support for the community. Tilco Construction, SuperValue Grocery, Mad Butcher, Farmer’s Daughters Trade Days, Monty’s Hauling, LLC, ESCO Exterminating Services, Inc., Sheriff Herschel Tillman, Healing Chambers – A Holistic Care Center, Warren 4-H, Drew Central Care Center, and Bradley County EHC all contributed to the success of the All Tomato Luncheon.
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The festivities commenced with State Representative Jeff Wardlaw serving as the master of ceremonies. Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney extended a warm welcome to all attendees, setting a jovial tone for the gathering. Reverend Tim Saunders from Saline Baptist Church delivered a heartfelt invocation, emphasizing gratitude for the bountiful harvest and the spirit of unity among the community.
Mayor Gregg Reep of the City of Warren took the stage to recognize the esteemed guests in attendance. Ms. Kenna Sparks, the 2023 Pink Tomato Festival Chairman, was acknowledged for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the festival. Mr. John Gavin, the County Extension Agent-Staff Chair, shared insightful remarks and introduced the distinguished guests.
Dr. Laura Hendrix, Interim Associate Department Head FCS and State AEHC Advisor from the U of A System Division of Agriculture, conveyed warm greetings, highlighting the significance of local agriculture and its impact on the community. State Representative Sonia Eubanks Barker and State Senator Ben Gilmore also extended their greetings, emphasizing their commitment to supporting local initiatives.
Awards and recognition took center stage at the luncheon. Grice Farms received well-deserved applause and a plaque for being the farmer with the first box of tomatoes. The Brad and Melissa Harrod Family were celebrated as the Farm Family of the Year, receiving a plaque in recognition of their outstanding contributions to agriculture.
Adding an exciting element to the festivities, the First Box of Tomato Auction saw participants eagerly bidding for the honor. Thomas Frazer emerged victorious, seizing the coveted prize for over $4,000. The Tomato Cake Auction added a sweet note to the event, with State Representative Jeff Wardlaw winning. He purchased the cake for just over $1,000. He then offered the cake for auction once more. Rob Reep purchased the cake during the second round of bidding.
As the luncheon drew to a close, County Extension Agent Mrs. Michelle Carter delivered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all who made the event possible. The All Tomato Luncheon Committee, consisting of Lynn Hearnsberger as Chair and Michelle Carter as Co-Chair, along with Judy Simmons, Wanda Carr, Tabitha Herrington, Virginia Hargis, Sue Wilson, Martha Smith, Sandra Dalsanto, Linda McDiarmid, Linda Kercheval, Kim Forrest, Donna McGaha, Lynn Savage, Brittany Leek, Lauren Bryant, were commended for their tireless efforts in organizing the successful event.
The 2023 Bradley County All Tomato Luncheon served as a testament to the community’s rich agricultural heritage and the unwavering spirit of unity and support among its residents. With taste buds satisfied and hearts filled with appreciation, attendees departed, eagerly looking forward to the next celebration of the beloved tomato season in Warren, Arkansas.
