Dillon County Tomato Contest Is Ripe Success

By Craig Brown
Members of the Dillon County Tomato Growers Association and their guest met Friday night at the Dillon Wellness Center for their annual meeting and dinner and to find out who had the best tomatoes in the county, at least according to the knowledgeable judges.
There were a few surprises this year with some newcomers stealing the show and some old veterans falling to the heat wave.

The main course of the meal was pork and rice prepared by two seasoned cooks, Bobby McLean and Harold Caulder. Many contestants and their wives prepared additional dishes including slaw, potatoes, corn bread, tasty desserts and of course tomatoes. Twenty-seven people signed up for the contest this year, but only fifteen allowed their plants to be judged.
Event Chairman, Tom Rowland worked hard to find sponsors that provided cash prizes for the winners to special door prizes from local restaurants, automatic car washes, oil changes, office supplies, homemade cakes and garden supplies.
Event secretary Charles Scott remarked that although his tomatoes did not look as good this year as last year’s crop that came in fourth place he felt good when the judges informed him that his was the best looking plants they had judged so far on Tuesday.
Judging until they informed him that he was the first to be judged and they had fourteen more contestants to check on.
Harold Caulder opened the event with prayer and gave blessing for the meal.
After the meal Chairman Rowland turned over the awards and door prize drawings to Dillon County Extension Agent, Grady Sampson. Sampson announced five contestants, Pete Cooper, Andy Hasty, Dick McKenzie, Bobby Howle and Charles Scott received honorable mention.
After some door prizes, Sampson called up Tristen Smith, Tom Rowland, Sherwood Thompson, Melvin Edens and Rita Hooker as the contestants that placed sixth through tenth place.
Sampson kept the suspense ongoing by stopping after announcing the next three winners to give out some door prizes.
Coming in fifth place was Will Rowell. Paul Moody picked up fourth place. Someone shouted foul but Paul got his prize anyway. Andy Wallace collected the third spot.
This left two newcomers to the contest, Ronnie Bracey and Willie Davis. Sampson kept the suspense going as long as he could but finally announced that Willie Davis edged out Ronnie Bracey for the top spot.
Robbie Coward presented a special award for the youngest contestant. This year it was awarded to 12-year-old Tristen Smith.
Chairman Rowland gave some sad news after the awards stating that Grady Sampson was retiring this year. The agricultural community as well as gardeners and of course tomato growers will surely miss him.
The Dillon County Tomato Growers Association is always looking for serious new members. You don’t have to have a green thumb to join just a love of America’s favorite vegetable/fruit and enjoy the fellowship of others that think this way. To join you can contact Tom Rowland, Charles Scott, Grady Sampson or any member of the association.   

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