Aug 9, 2024 - Things to Do

Reynoldsburg preps for Tomato Wars this weekend

Alissa Widman Neese

Four people in goggles and black clothing throw tomatoes at each other in a street full of tomatoes and traffic cones — The Tomato Wars tournament is a popular, messy tradition at the annual Tomato Festival. Photo: Robb McCormick Photography, courtesy of the City of Reynoldsburg

In Reynoldsburg, hurling tomatoes isn't just reserved for bad stage performances.

Fun fact: The Columbus suburb, known as the "Birthplace of the Tomato," is where local horticulturist Alexander W. Livingston developed the first tomato bred for commercial use in 1870.

Zoom in: For over 50 years, the city has celebrated its moniker with an annual Tomato Festival in Huber Park featuring activities like the Tomato Wars, a dodgeball-style tournament pictured above.

Other events over the weekend include a spaghetti-eating competition, a tomato-growing contest and a pageant to crown the Tomato Festival Queen.

Festival hours: 4-10pm Thursday and Friday and 11am-10pm Saturday. Free!

Tomato Wars are 6:30-7:30pm Friday on Davidson Drive, near the park.

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Reynoldsburg preps for Tomato Wars this weekend

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