Tomato tribute

Jose J. Santos

They’re everywhere you look, yet sometimes go unnoticed.

But where would your B.L.T. be without the T?

The Orange County Fair returns to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds

Friday. This year’s theme is “Red, Ripe and Rockin’” and the event is

paying homage to nature’s red wonder, the tomato.

Centennial Farms is growing 25 different varieties of tomatoes in

preparation for the event, fair supervisor of special projects Jim

Bailey said.

“It’s one of the most popular, versatile products we grow,” Bailey

said.

Bailey said it’s easy to spot a good one. Tomato lovers need to

look for a fruit that is ripe, bright red, firm and the “size of a

tennis ball or small softball.”

“But the best tomato is on the vine,” Bailey said.

Fairgoers have a lot of tomato-related events to choose from. In

addition to the exhibits and demonstrations at Centennial Farm,

here’s some of the tomato contests and competitions at this year’s

fair:

CONTESTS FOR ALL AGES

Kids Stage in Kids Park

* Tomato stew slime

Sunday, July 27, 4 p.m.

* Ripe from the vine tomato squeezing

Sunday, Aug. 3, 4 p.m.

SENIOR CONTESTS & ACTIVITIES

Heritage Stage, ages 55 and over

* Red, ripe and rockin’ tomato toss

Thursday, July 31, 2 p.m.

JUNIOR CONTESTS

Youth Building

* Best-Dressed Tomato Contest

Wednesday, July 16, by noon

* Tasty Tomato Contest

Tuesday, July 29, by 2 p.m.

KIDS CONTESTS

Kids Park, four age categories, 2 to 13

* Tomato Walk

Tuesdays, 7 p.m. and Fridays, 6:30 p.m.

* Target: Tomato

Tuesdays, 8 p.m.

* Don’t Topple The Tomato

Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

* Nosy Tomato

Saturdays, 6:30 p.m.

* Hot Tomato

Sundays, 8 p.m.

HOME AND HOBBIES CONTESTS

Home & Hobbies Building stage

* Fresh Salsa contest

Sunday, July 20, 4:30 p.m.

At Home and Hobbies kitchen. Categories: “tomato base” and

“anything but tomato base.” Entrants must be 12 or older. All salsa

must be ready for consumption. Participants should include the

appropriate accompaniment (chips, cracker, bread). Each entry must

include recipe.

FARM AND GARDEN COMPETITION

near Main Gate entrance at Centennial Farm

Amateur participants may enter their homegrown fruits and

vegetables. Divisions include vegetables, fruits, largest items and

unusual shapes. A special theme division will highlight tomatoes.

Entries in the “Tasty Tomato Sauce” contest should be delivered by

Wednesday, July 16 between 7 and 9 a.m.

For more information and a complete fair schedule, go to

www.ocfair.com or call (714) 708-3247.