Reading the story “Tomato Relish’ on February 22 brought back fond memories. I regularly entered the cooking section of Gunnedah’s Biggest Tomato Contest, taking out prizes in the green tomato pickles, tomato relish etc with many other contestants. It was all taken very seriously at the time and many stories were told after the judging.
The growing of the largest tomato seemed to be left to the men, who of course were very competitive, and enjoyed a beer in happy surroundings at the local club after the event.
Entertainment was provided in the form of a jumping castle for children and of course hundreds of tomato sandwiches for everyone present.
Congratulations must go to Carmel’s Nursery for the $100 on offer for 2012’s largest tomato.
Jack Arnold, you are to be congratulated on your suggestion/idea that an annual competition be held in Armidale each year, possibly in early March due to our late climate.
It is a very happy family day out and surprising to see how many children attend waiting to see if their Pop takes out the Tomato Challenge.
Also it is a very good money raiser for a local charity which could be shared around each year, the venue would need to be a local club large enough to hold the function.
I feel sure the manager of the Gunnedah Bowling Club, James Gallen, would be happy to give assistance or direct you to the persons in concern who run the event in January each year as it’s a family orientated competitive day out.
M. Rushton,
Armidale
