Rutledge, TN

Up the road about 30 miles east of Knoxville, Tenenssee lies Grainger County, home of some of the most famous tomatoes in the south. Tomatoes are Grainger Counties' largest cash crop producing millions of dollars in revenue yearly.

The Grainger County folks celebrate their famous crops on the last weekend in July each year with the Grainger County Tomato Festival

Lots of arts, crafts, music, food, exhibits, and displays at the Festival but tomatoes are the star of the show.

Going to the Tomato Festival has become an annual tradition at the Lee household so Saturday my lovely bride and I went to enjoy ourselves once again.

This is selling real estate Tennessee country style. No computers, no Blackberries (except the kind you spread on a biscuit), no fancy stuff, just a "come on in and sit a spell" neighbor.

Tomatoes of all sizes, shapes, and colors were on display at every turn. They are what this festival is all about.

This delighful lady is a regular at the fair and was exhibiting her beautiful, hand stitched quilts. I have a photo of her working on this quilt from last year. She will quickly tell you they're not for sale, just to look at and admire.

See lots more festival photos here.