By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HARPERSVILLE—Nearly triple-digit temperatures didn’t stop the fun at Stone Hollow Farmstead’s first Tomato Festival on July 18. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. visitors were welcome to enjoy tasty treats prepared by local chefs and learn from experts about one of summer’s key crops.

The festival kicked off at 1 p.m. with farm tours, live music and food sampling. There were also presentations throughout the day from foraging expert Chris Bennett, “Bourbon and Bacon” cookbook author Morgan Murphy and tomato breeder Tom Wagner.

Wagner brought along 30 varieties of heirloom tomatoes for festivalgoers to taste and rank.

“He was really excited to sit and talk about all his different breeds of tomatoes,” Bree Garrett, Stone Hollow Farmstead wellness educator and program director, said.

There were also children’s activities throughout the day, including feeding the farm’s baby goats, petting the rabbits, face painting and a butter making station.

Local farmers were also invited to attend the festival to showcase their produce and talk with festivalgoers.

“There have been a lot of farmers here,” Garrett said. “It was the hottest day of the year so far. All things considered, we had a good turnout.”

The Tomato Festival was followed by a dinner prepared by David Bancroft, owner and chef at Acre in Auburn. The meal featured produce from 10 local farmers.

Stone Hollow Farmstead’s next big event will be the annual Hollow Holler farm dinner on Oct. 17.

“It’s going to be a really fun farm dinner,” Garrett said.

For more information about Stone Hollow Farmstead and upcoming events, visit Stonehollowfarmstead.com.