Tomato Festival at Historic Lewes Farmer Market

LEWES, Del. — It’s ‘Mater Madness this Saturday at the Market! The Market is celebrating its favorite fruit to kick off National Farmers Market Week, August 7-13. This year’s Tomato Festival will bring the Guess the Number of Tomatoes in the Jar contest, the Biggest Tomato at Market Contest, and a demo by Heirloom at 10 am. Cherry and slicer tomatoes—both heirloom and hybrid–will be in abundance. Customers are encouraged to dress up in their tomato costume or just wear red.

The Biggest Tomato at Market Contest is judged at 9:30 am. All who grow their own tomatoes are welcome to enter this contest. Contest Rules: Growers should bring their tomatoes to the Market between 8 and 9 am to the Tomato Festival Tent. Tomatoes may be heirloom or hybrid and must be edible. The largest tomato will be judged by weight as determined by the judges. The variety of each tomato must be identified on the entry form with contact information. All tomatoes must be washed and clean. Judging and ribbons will be awarded at 9:30 am. The winners and all entries will be displayed with grower’s name at the Tomato Festival Tent in the middle of the Market next to the Raffle Tent.

The Guess the Number of Tomatoes in the Jar Contest also takes place at the Tomato Festival Tent. Enter your guess between 8 and 11 am. Winner will be announced at 11:15 am. Thanks to Heirloom, the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant.

Market produce is now at the height of the summer growing season. In addition to every variety of tomato imaginable, customers will find gourmet melons, cantaloupes, watermelons, peaches (white and yellow), nectarines, sweet corn, eggplant, okra, potatoes, green beans, summer squashes, kale, Bok Choy, Chinese cabbage, radishes, Swiss chard, arugula, lettuces, pork sausages, chops, and ribs, tilapia fish, oysters, live crabs, hand-picked crab meat, crabcakes, crab salad, grass-fed chicken, beef including steaks, ground beef, burger patties, honey, mushrooms, eggs, kombucha, jams, fresh-baked breads, pies and pastries made with fruit from the vendors at the Market, herb, veggie, and flower plants, cut-flower bouquets including sunflowers, locally roasted coffee and coffee drinks, and more. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market is unique in that it is producer-only—customers are able to buy directly from the farmer who grew the produce. This Market is where the farmers are.

Children’s Storytime at the Market, a partnership with the Lewes Public Library starts at 10am. Library volunteers read books about farming, healthy eating, gardening, and nature at the Yellow Tent near the Historic Lewes Farmers Market Information Tent.

The HLFM Bicycle Giveaway this year is an Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru in bright green. It has a cushy seat, smooth rolling tires, and no-slip pedals. There is a recycled ocean plastic basket that is perfect for the Market or for the beach. There’s even a Chicken Dance ringer bell. Come to the Market to enter. This beautiful cruiser was selected with the help of Lewes Cycle Sports and purchased locally at their store at 526 E. Savannah Road in Lewes. The Historic Lewes Farmers Market sponsors this raffle to encourage everyone who is able, to bike or walk to the Market. Winner does not have to be present to win.

The HLFM Big Raffle has 3 stupendous prizes, each valued at $1,000: Jazz Fest Weekend Tickets and Dinner; the Fabu-Lewes-Feast including 8-$125 restaurant gift cards; and a Private-in-Home 3-Course Chef with Wine Pairing for 10 by Chef Sean Corea. Tickets are on sale at the Market, and the drawing is September 3^rd. Winner does not have to be present for drawing. All proceeds go to support the HLFM.

The Market takes place at George H.P. Smith Park. However, in case of inclement weather, the Market moves to Lewes Elementary School Parking lot, 820 Savannah Road.

The Market continues its SNAP (EBT Food Stamps) program. To help lower economic barriers to local, healthy food, the HLFM matches up to $20 each participant each week with HLFM Bonus Bucks. SNAP participants are encouraged to come to the SNAP tent at the Market to pick up the bonus $20 in tokens to use at the Market. WIC and SFMNP coupons are also accepted at the Market.

Customers who want to help feed the local community may purchase local produce, meats, milk, and other food from growers at the Market to donate to the HLFM Food Pantry Purchase Program every Saturday. At the end of the Market, the produce and other foods are gathered and given to various food pantries including both Epworth and Casa San Francisco. The HLFM thanks its customers for their generosity.

The circle in front of the Fred Thomas Building at the foot of Dupont will be open for handicap drop-off and pick-up. Beebe Hospital is generously allowing market customers to park in its outside parking lots. Please go to www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org to see where parking is located and to view Vendor Maps for the Market. The market is a stop on the Lewes Line, a great way to come to the Market.

The Wednesday Market at Crooked Hammock Brewery is also open with ten great farmers from 8 to 11 am, June through September.

Dogs at the Market must be under control on a six-foot non-retractable leash.

The Market thanks The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, 2022 HLFM Market Champion, and all other sponsors for their continued support of the Market.

More information about the Market is available at www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. Find them also on Facebook and Instagram.

Questions? info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org or call 302-644-1436. To receive the HLFM newsletter, please email them at info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org to be added to the HLFM E-news.

–Historic Lewes Farmers Market