The annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival will be held in downtown Warren, Arkansas June 8-9, 2018. The festival acquired the name due to the type of tomato farmers began growing in the 1920s, a type that could be shipped when the tops of the tomatoes had just turned pink. It began in 1956 and was originally a simple event created by local merchants to commend the successful tomato industry  and promote business. This small celebration grew into the festival that is now known as the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival.
This will be the festival’s 62nd year. The festival has been widely recognized and was an Arkansas Food Hall of Fame finalist for 2018. Roughly 35,000 people, mainly locals, attend each year. The Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival is one of Arkansas’ most well-respected festivals. In 1987 the tomato became Arkansas state fruit and vegetable, and every Arkansas governor has attended the event since 1956.
RELATED: Read about the 2018 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame »
New attractions are added to the festival annually such as the Pink Tomato Beauty Pageant, and the Festival Parade in 1957. There is a wide variety of activities for people of all ages to participate in, including shopping, an arts and crafts show, carnival games, an all-tomato luncheon, a tomato-eating contest, the Pink Tomato golf tournament, and a 5k race. There will also be live music with free admission Friday and Saturday Night. The Friday night headlining act is the Bellamy Brothers, and Saturday it is Mark Chesnutt.
Other fun events include a cutest baby contest, a talent show, turtle races on the square, digging for treasure in the square, a car show and a steak cook off. Events last all day beginning at 9 a.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday. The festival will conclude with a grand finale firework show Saturday night.
RELATED: Read about more delicious Arkansas food festivals »