You say Tomato

During the summer of 2004, Meg and Bret MacFayden hosted a small art show honoring the tomato and planned a handful of neighborhood events to promote their business, The Art and Innovation Gallery. Six years later, The Tomato Art Festival is East Nashville's premier summertime event. With over 100 street vendors, a New Orleans-style parade, musical performances, a tomato 5k, and of course, the tomato art that started it all, The Tomato Art Fest has something for everyone.

 (Image Credit: Delgado Guitars)

Around 10 this morning my mom and I headed over the river and through the 'hood to East Nashville's five-points area, the crux of the festival. Having attended the event since 2006, we like to consider ourselves seasoned tomato veterans. This year, we slept in and missed the parade, so we made the Art and Innovation Gallery our first stop, in an effort to beat the crowd. This year's tomato art contest winner was a beautiful mandolin embellished to resemble everyone's favorite summertime fruit. The piece was handcrafted by Manuel Delgado of Delgado Guitars.

 Pictured above is all of our tomato fest loot. My mom's piece of folk art, a tomato magnet, bumper sticker and commemorative coffee can from Bongo Java.

After making a few tomato-themed purchases, we decided to peruse the hoards of booths crowding the streets. There were restaurateurs, insurance salesmen, book vendors and clothing designers. You name it, there was probably a vendor selling it. I pocketed a handful of business cards, but couldn't commit to purchasing anything today. At 90+ degrees, it was just too hot to carry anything. My mom, on the other hand, picked up a piece of wooden folk art.

We finished the day at Fanny's House of Music. This instrument store doubles as a haven for vintage lovers. I walked away empty-handed, but there were some fabulous pieces. Now that it's on my radar, I'll definitely be going back.

If you're in the Nashville area and missed out on this morning's activities, don't fret. There are still events going on! Click here for a complete schedule. And don't think we starved ourselves during this celebration of food. The culinary experiences of The Tomato Fest deserve a post of their own. Check back later tonight for all our dining adventures!

For more photos from the festival click below!

 Every year the festival hosts a bumper sticker contest. These are some of the winners from years past.

 My mom and I both entered the "Guess how many tomatoes are in a jar" contest at Wonders on Woodlawn.

 My mom bought her folk art dove from the man who owns this van!

 The star of the show!

 Being a musical theater nerd, I thought this was hilarious!

 How cute are these tomato tutus?

We stumbled upon this fabulous vintage Lilly dress in Fanny's House of Music. The silhouette wasn't my style, but I absolutely loved the pattern!