Don't Touch That Tomato

Union County MusicFest is getting in touch with its county fair roots this September. Home gardening enthusiasts are invited to bring their biggest tomato to compete for $500 in prizes in MusicFest's first ever Harvest Contest. All entries will receive a participation ribbon.

In addition to the biggest tomato, prizes will be awarded for the biggest zucchini, for the funniest looking undecorated vegetable of any kind, and for characters made out of vegetables and vegetable parts.

  "The Harvest Contest is our way of celebrating those who care for and help preserve the precious green spaces in Union County, whether it's your own yard or a public place," Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan said in the release. "I hope the Harvest Contest display at MusicFest inspires many more County residents to try their hand at gardening."

Attendance at Union County MusicFest is expected to top last year's estimated crowd of 70,000, the release. The event includes two days of nonstop free music on September 11 and 12, the County Fair at MusicFest carnival from September 8-12, and many other attractions.

Entry in the Harvest Contest is limited to persons in fourth grade or older.  All vegetables must be grown for non-commercial use at a home, school or community garden.

Those who wish to enter the Harvest Contest should bring their entries to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension tent at Union County Musicfest, Oak Ridge Park on Raritan Road in Clark, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday Sept. 8 or Thursday Sept. 9, or between 9:00 a.m. and noon on Friday, Sept. 10.

Winners will be announced at mid-day on Saturday, Sept. 11.  It is not necessary to attend in order to receive an award. Contestants can retrieve their entries and pick up their ribbon or prize after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.

The Rutgers Extension, which is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, will also provide cooking demonstrations, gardening demonstrations, and exhibits during MusicFest, including childhood obesity awareness programs sponsored by Walmart.

For more information about the Harvest Contest, contact the Extension offices at 908-654-9854 or email Union County 4-H Extension Agent James Nichnadowicz, jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For all details on MusicFest, visit www.ucmusicfest.com.