Chattanooga Market's Top Tomato Festival features Bloody Mary sampling

Marketgoers may either buy a $10 pass to sample a Bloody Mary from all five competitors or buy individual tickets for $3 per sample. (AP Photo/Dean Fosdick)
Marketgoers may either buy a $10 pass to sample a Bloody Mary from all five competitors or buy individual tickets for $3 per sample. (AP Photo/Dean Fosdick)

Ever heard the phrase "When life throws tomatoes at you ... make Bloody Marys"?

Well, Sunday, Aug. 12, is the day to drink up when Chattanooga Market celebrates its annual Top Tomato Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in First Tennessee Pavilion, 1926 Carter St.

Although tomatoes have been in local farmers' markets for several weeks, Chattanooga Market celebrates the summer crop with a Bloody Mary sampling that highlights some of the best drink batches in town.

Bitter Alibi will be back to defend its 2017 Best Bloody Mary title. Other competitors will be Hi-Fi Clyde's, Solarium, Southside Social and Champy's.

Marketgoers may either buy a $10 pass to sample a drink from all five competitors or buy individual tickets for $3 per sample. Virgin Bloody Marys (nonalcoholic) will also be available upon request.

After taste-testing, market visitors can vote for their favorite in the People's Choice. A Judge's Choice will also be named.

Of course, there will be plenty of organic, heirloom, grape, cherry and other varieties of tomatoes to purchase.

Mending Wall will entertain shoppers beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by Jeff Miller at 2 o'clock.

For more information: publicmarkets.us.

Upcoming Events