By Craig Brown
The 2014 Dillon County Tomato Growers Contestants had their favorite tomato plants (up to four) judged on Wednesday, June 25th by local Clemson Extension Agent Grady Sampson and two visiting county extension agents with thirteen judged worthy of placing.
The contestants, along with some honored guests, met on Friday, June 27, at the City of Dillon Wellness Center for their annual awards banquet. Agent Sampson welcomed all the contestants and guests.
Event secretary Charles Scott thanked the following persons for preparing the food: Henry Brunson, backbone and rice; Maxine Tyndall, punch bowl cake; Dora Gasque, chocolate cake and cheese biscuits; Alma Brown, blond brownies; Barbra Howle, coconut cake; Phyliss McDaniel, lemon cake; Pam Sullivan, confetti cake; and Digger Thompson, corn on the cob. Secretary Scott also prepared slaw. And there were lots of sliced tomatoes this year.
Henry Brunson gave thanks for the meal and all ate as much as they wanted with enough left over for take home plates for all in attendance. After the meal, event president Tom Rowland acknowledged several local businesses and restaurants that contributed numerous door prizes. Agent Sampson noted that the awards were named in honor of persons or patrons that have worked with the Dillon County Tomato Growers and his office to make the event an annual success.
Thirteenth place went to first timer Anthony Hardwick. Anthony represents what the club is all about. Jump in, give it your best shot, and, like Anthony, you might find out that you can compete with some good farmers. Anthony won the Del Sol Mexican Restaurant Award.
Twelfth place, the Webster Manor Award, went to Pete Cooper; 11th place, the Sav-A-Lot Award, went to Tristan Smith; 10th place, the Food Lion Award, went to Marion Carter; ninth place, The First Senator Kent Williams Award, went to Bobby Howle; eighth place, the Second Senator Kent Williams Award, went to Dick McKenzie; seventh place, the A.B. Jordan Award, went to Paul Moody; sixth place, The Dillon Herald Award, went to Pam Sullivan; fifth place, the B&C Steak House Award, went to Chris Corbette; fourth place, the Eric Henson Award, went to James L. “Tubby” Alford; third place, the Doug Miller Award, went to Charles Scott; second place, the Robbie Coward Award, went to Melvin Edens; and this year’s first place winner, the First Bank/Billy Massengale Award, went to long time contestant and local farmer, Sherwood “Digger” Thompson.
Agent Sampson and President Rowland added that former City Councilman Ken “Head” Stephens was honoring the event with a new award in honor of the late James Junior Berry. Mr. Berry loved to compete and was the considered the man to beat in this contest. Mr. Berry stayed active until his death at age 92. The award will be passed on from year to year with the winners name added each year. Mr. Thompson stated he would like to keep the trophy in Mr. Sampson’s office for display.
I would like to note that Mrs. Dora Gasque and Mr. Marion Carter have struggled with some serious illness recently and the prayers of many have been with them as they looked in great shape Friday night.
If you like to grow tomatoes, like to compete, or just like to argue, then the Dillon County Tomato Growers Association might just be for you. To find out more about the event, contact extension agent Grady Sampson, Tom Rowland, or Charles Scott.
