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THE
FREDERICKTOWN TOMATO SHOW EXISTS BECAUSE OF THE WORK OF MANY MEMBERS OF THE
COMMUNITY. |
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FIND
OUT MORE ABOUT THE TOMATO SHOW |
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The Fredericktown Tomato Show was first held in September of 1976, the year that many communities were holding Bicentennial Celebrations.
The Tomato Show Board of Directors is made up of citizens from the
village of Fredericktown as well as the surrounding townships that make up the
Fredericktown Local School District. The number of Directors can vary.
Directors are elected by the current board members for a term of 3 years.
The Board meets on the first Monday of every month to plan the next Show. There
is entertainment to book, new equipment to build, and sponsors and vendors to
be contacted year around. Whether it's moving bleachers and picnic tables on
the Sunday before the Show, checking in the vendors and exhibits each morning,
sweeping the streets each evening, or returning Main street
to it's usual condition when the Show is over, the
Directors put in a full week of labor surrounding Labor Day. If
you are interested in serving on the Board, contact any member or E-mail.
The Fredericktown Tomato Show functions without any public monies. Operating
funds come through sponsors, advertising, sale of T-shirts, a portion of rides
tickets and concessions, and of course the annual plate auction. Last year the
sale of ten commemorative Fredericktown plates raised
over $7000. Most of this money goes to pay for the entertainment acts which now
cost at least $3,500 for an evening's show. The more popular groups are
charging closer to $5,000 per show.
Local sponsors provide the prize money for the exhibits, parade, Little Miss
Tomato, Lip Sync, and other events. Participants in the 5-Mile run pay an
entrance fee as do exhibitors at the Arts and Crafts Show. There are also
operating expenses such as liability insurance, electricity, and added security
personnel.
The Fredericktown Tomato Show would never take place without the hard
work of many volunteers. There is always a place for you to share your
interests and talents. You will find community members helping to set up the
Show, checking in and supervising the exhibits. They serve as judges, work in
the Hospitality tent, and drive the shuttle to the parking lots. The Lions Club
members help direct traffic at the parade staging ground on Saturday.
Fredericktown's two garden clubs are instrumental to the flower exhibits.
Students help out during the parade serving as banner carriers and clean-up
crews behind the horses.
If you would like to give some time and have a particular interest, see the
Director in Charge of that event or contact any Board member.
Each year the Board of Directors selects a piece of hometown history to
feature on the ten limited edition plates. These plates are auctioned off on
Saturday evening with the proceeds used to help maintain the Fredericktown
Tomato Show. This event is so successful because of the generosity of our
community members who buy the plates, last year for a combined amount over $7,0000. Local auctioneers donate their time and talent to
make the evening entertaining as well as profitable.
The 2011 plate features FREDERICKTOWN CHEVROLET.
Every spring the Tomato Show Board holds
contests to design the logos that will appear on T-shirts and the program
booklet. The winners are chosen for the best representation of the Tomato Show
theme.
The T-shirt contest is open to the public and attracts entries from artists of
all ages through senior citizens. The winner receives a T-shirt and $50 Savings
Bond.
CONGRATULATIONS to DONNY
CLINE for his 2011 winning T-shirt design.
The students in the Fredericktown High School art department compete for the program cover design. Each of the top three artists receives a trophy and the winner also gets a $50 savings bond.
CONGRATULATIONS to DYLAN
MUHLENKAMP for designing the 2011 program cover.
The Fredericktown Tomato Show is grateful to the sponsors, local businesses, who provide operating money and cash prizes. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact the Tomato Show.
Obviously the Tomato Show provides the community with family fun throughout the four days of the Show. It also gives the citizens a place to display their talents, be it in photograhy, baking, music, or other areas, as well as the chance to meet up with old friends you may not see very often. However, the Tomato Show gives back to the community in other ways. Its money has purchased bleachers that are normally located at community ball fields. The Tomato Show stage and portable speaker system have been used by other organizations, and the timer clock for the 5-mile run is shared with Fredericktown Schools.
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