Did you know there's a Tomato Fest in Fairmont that's been going on for nearly 20 years?



Neither did I. But once I found out, I needed to see it.



The 2026 Tomato Festival was Saturday, August 15, on Monroe Street in downtown Fairmont, as part of the Hometown Market. Main Street Fairmont puts it on in partnership with the Marion County Master Gardeners.



My first stop was at Loving WV, which is a wonderful little West Virginia goods shop.



Here, I picked up a bottle of Zhoni Sauce and jar of cherry-zucchini jam from Kat's Kitchen.



Outside, there were dozens of local vendors and artisans, with food and entertainment.



Bluebird Bakery



Richardson Family Farm



Mal's Produce



Kettle Pop Co.





WV Weird & Wonderful
I picked up the "Veggie Man" blend here, which includes dehydrated veggies.





Herron's Farmers' Market
Have you heard of quince butter? I hadn't, but I am going to find out!







Bricks and Slabs Bakehouse
A razzleberry pie and a smoked pepperoni roll were delish.







CL Cakery
A cinnamon roll-style pepperoni roll.







Rhodes Bakery
A tomato cupcake and a tomato basil croissant.





Tap Truck WVa
Vineyard Blush Special with tomato, strawberry and basil.







Gigi's Sweets and Treats
A brownie with peanut butter



Charmed & Wick'd Apothecary



My favorite part, though, was the tomato-tasting/competition, with local growers submitting tomatoes for judging. The competition has categories for things such as biggest, best-tasting and most unusual tomatoes. And it's free!