Tomato Festival

Did you know you can thank Ohio for the modern tomato?

While tomatoes are originally from South America, they were likely introduced to North America via the Caribbean and first recognized in South Carolina around 1710. By the mid 18th century, they were cultivated on some Carolina plantations and other parts of the southeast. 

However, Alexander Livingston, an American horticulturalist and seed company founder, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, is considered the father of the modern tomato. Livingston's first breed of tomato, the Paragon, was introduced in 1870. In 1875, he introduced the Acme, said to be in the parentage of most cultivars for the next twenty-five years.

"With all due credit to the important contributions of other growers, seedsmen, and investigators, it is not out of place to call attention again to the great contribution of the Livingston Seed Co. to tomato improvement. Of about 40 varieties that had attained a distinct status prior to 1910, a third were productions or introductions by the Livingston company. If we add those varieties derived directly from Livingston productions and introductions, it appears that half of the major varieties were due to the abilities of the Livingstons to evaluate and perpetuate superior material in the tomato."
-- The Yearbook of Agriculture 1937, U. S. Department of Agriculture.

Since 1966, Reynoldsburg, Ohio has been celebrating tomatoes with its annual Tomato Festival! Originally debuted as “The Heritage Holiday Festival and Tomato Show”, The Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival has grown to become the city’s signature tradition. You can plan your visit for mid August. :)

Please note that yarn colors may vary per base as each type of fiber dyes differently. You can learn more on our Yarn Base FAQ page.

BASES:

Hattie Floof: 50g, 437 yards, 70% Superkid mohair/30% silk (lace weight)
Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Sabrina Sock: 100g, 432 yards, blend of 80% US sourced non-super wash merino/20% silk
Tortie Sport: 100g, 287 yards, 80% alpaca/20% silk
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Chubby Trevor: 115g, 136 yards, 100% superwash merino
Chunky Trevor: 150g, 82 yards, 100% superwash merino, single ply
Summer Fingering: 65% silk/35% linen, 115g skein, approximately 438 yards
Summer Sport: 65% silk/35% linen, 100g skein, approximately 383 rds
Summer DK: 65% silk/35% linen, 100g skein, approximately 246 yards
Gladys Fiber: 80% Shaniko Wool/20% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc