Historic Lewes Farmers Market’s Tomato Festival set Aug. 2

The Historic Lewes Farmers Market Tomato Festival is set for 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, at George H.P. Smith Park, kicking off National Farmers Market Week.

If it rains, the market moves to the Lewes Elementary School parking lot at 820 Savannah Road.

Cherry and slicer tomatoes, both heirloom and hybrid, will be available in abundance, and many vendors will bring special Tomato Festival items. Customers wearing their HLFM Tomato T-Shirt will receive one free ticket for the mini-raffle drawing.

All who grow their own tomatoes are welcome to enter the Biggest Tomato at Market Contest from 8 to 9 a.m. by bringing best specimens to the Tomato Festival Tent. Tomatoes may be heirloom or hybrid and must be edible. The largest tomato will be selected by weight as determined by the judges. The variety of each tomato must be identified on the entry form along with contact information. All tomatoes must be washed and clean. The winners and all entries will be displayed with grower’s name at the Tomato Festival tent.

The Guess the Number of Tomatoes in the Jar Contest also takes place from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Tomato Festival Tent. The winner will be announced at 11:15 a.m.

Using tomatoes, herbs and more fresh ingredients from around the market, Chef Bill Clifton from the Lewes Yacht Club will be demonstrating a stuffed tomato Greek salad with whipped feta and a tomato vinaigrette at 10 a.m. in the demo tent.

Customers will also find eggplants, cherries, cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, plums, nectarines, sweet corn, potatoes, beets, green beans, summer squashes, radishes, Swiss chard, garlic, oysters, crab, chicken, lamb, beef, pork, honey, jams, mushrooms, eggs, coffee drinks, kombucha, cold-pressed juices, fresh breads and pastries, gluten-free offerings, donuts, ice cream treats, herb and vegetable plants, and cut-flower bouquets.

Children’s story time begins at 10 a.m. each Saturday in the yellow tent. Volunteers read books about farming, gardening and healthy eating. All children and their adults are welcome.

The HLFM Wednesday market is open weekly from 8 to 11:30 a.m., with 16 farmers and producers offering fresh local fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods and flowers in the parking lot outside Crooked Hammock, 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes.

The HLFM is producer-only, so customers are able to buy directly from the farmers who grow the produce.

Patrons should note that dogs and other pets (except for service animals) are not permitted inside the market area, in order to ensure the safety of customers, vendors and volunteers.

Organizers encourage customers to bike or walk to the Saturday market if able. The circle in front of the Fred Thomas Building at the foot of DuPont Avenue will be open for accessible drop-off and pickup, with some spots available for handicap accessible parking only.

Now that sidewalks have been added alongside George H.P. Smith Park, the best place customers can park is at the main Lewes Elementary lot at 820 Savannah Road, with just a short walk down a path to the park. Beebe Healthcare also allows market customers to park in its outside lot.

For a list of all vendors, their contact information and whether they take preorders, go to historiclewesfarmersmarket.org. Customers will pick up preorders at the vendor tent in the market.

The market processes payments from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and Women, Infants and Children Program benefits, and continues to match SNAP up to $20 per market, per customer. Customers may go to the SNAP tent to process SNAP/EBT.

The HLFM continues its food pantry purchase program. Market customers who want to help feed the local community may purchase local produce, meats, milk and other food from growers at the market to donate to this program every Saturday. At the end of the market, the produce and other foods are gathered and given to local food pantries.

Go to historiclewesfarmersmarket.org to see vendor information with maps. The market’s weekly newsletter lists demos and more; email info@historiclewesfarmersmarket.org to ask to be added to the list.

The HLFM summer raffle grand prize will be a Lewes Oyster House three-course chef’s tasting with wine pairing for six to eight guests at the LOH Chef’s Table. Celebrating HLFM history, other prizes include a watercolor painting of “Chicken Man at the Market” by Anne Buck, and a quilt handmade by Laurie Sieminski, titled “Ku-plink, Ku-plank, Ku-plunk,” inspired by “Blueberries for Sal,” a children’s book by Robert McCloskey. Customers will have more chances to win restaurant gift cards and tickets for local experiences and activities with themed bundles. Ticket proceeds go to the HLFM farmer support and food access programs.

The market thanks The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, 2025 HLFM Market Champion, for its continued support.