The Creole Tomato Festival kicks off today (June 7) at the French Market and goes through Sunday night. This is the perfect time to get free samples of the famous creole tomato.

The festival has food vendors, cooking demonstrations and a tomato eating contest. We’re heading out Sunday so we can see the contest at 1. Interesting demo Saturday – creole tomato cupcakes at 4 p.m.

The French Market said each cooking demo has  2-oz samples for the first 100 people. The tomato sample station is at Dumaine Street. The fest also has cute tomato-shaped paper fans it’s giving away at the festival. The people in tomato costumes (photo opp!) have the fans and will give you one if you ask.

Remember, bring cash if you want to buy anything. Plus, if you spend $30 this weekend, you get a free bag of creole tomatoes. Via FrenchMarket.org:

What you need to know about the fest:

• 14 vendors will be selling tomato dishes. Here’s a list of all the food vendors and what they are making.

• parking options

• Several French Market vendors offer discounts to locals. Here’s the list. Don’t have your Louisiana driver’s license yet? Here’s our advice to get you started.

• The fest has free children’s activities in Dutch Alley, a quieter section sandwiched between the market and the Mississippi River. Organizers say you’ll be able to find music, miniature golf, indoor dance lessons, facepainting and children’s crafts here.

• Cooking demonstrations are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at the Farmers Market stage. The first 100 people get food samples.

• Live music schedule. Of note,  there will be a Creole Tomato Dance Cabaret at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

 

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What is a creole tomato, you ask? It’s juicy, flavorful and perfect for summer sandwiches. Read more about its history here. Interesting tidbit from Dan Gill, the gardening columnist at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune:

In many minds, the Creole tomato is a particular variety with a wonderful flavor. The name Creole has become mythic for “that old-fashioned wonderful tomato flavor I remember from the old days.” And in actuality, there never really was one specific variety used by the Creole tomato growers.

Read more from Dan Gill about creole tomato myths and facts.