or an Italian Flag you ought to take a drive
into Pittston. There's plenty of both of them
to be found.
But this week there's a third banner being
flown over the city!
It's a "Tomato Flag!"
And it's flying to celebrate the 29th annual
Pittston Tomato Festival!
Locals will tell you the acidic mining soil
in and around Pittston is perfect for growing
tomatoes! In my yard it's good for weeds!
According to Wikipedia, the tomato
originated in South America and showed up
in what became the U.S. following Spanish
colonization here.
But there must have been an Italian in there
someplace. And he must have got lost and
found himself in Pittston!
Now, some 50,000 people show up during
the 4 day festival to enjoy ethnic foods, ride
the amusements, listen to the music of live
bands and, of course, check out all the tomatoes!
There's a tomato judging contest (the fruit).
Contestants go after the coveted awards for
the Largest, Smallest, Ugliest, and Most
Perfect Tomato!
There's also a contest to pick "The Little
Miss" and "Mister" Tomato (kids)!
But wait....there's more!
Local restaurants are now competing in
"Sauce Wars!" They're looking for the award
for the "Best Marinara Sauce!"
Tomatoes, of course, grow at their own
pace. Many are "over ripe" by the time
the festival comes around.
But they're welcome too! For the annual
"Tomato Fights!"
It's an opportunity for friends and
neighbors to put on a pair of goggles and
clobber one another with rotten tomatoes!
If only we could have candidates
schedule tomato fights instead of debates!
Think of the possibilities!
I wonder if Heinz is watching Pittston?
Hope you've got a cute tomato by your
side (one way or the other) and that all
your NEWS is good!
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