North Bethesda Market Hosts Montgomery County’s First Tomato Festival September 10

NORTH BETHESDA, MD (August 22, 2016) — Maryland’s tomatoes are in season, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy all things tomato - from zesty sauce and heirloom varieties to inspired chef creations. To celebrate this flavorful fruit, North Bethesda Market will host its first Tomato Festival Saturday, September 10, 2016.

The Tomato Festival at North Bethesda Market, the first festival of its kind in Montgomery County, takes place outdoors, at 20 Paseo Drive, North Bethesda, MD 20852. The Festival is scheduled for 12 noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. The event is free and open to the public.

To launch the Festival, North Bethesda Market’s Seasons 52 will host a signature brunch benefiting VisArts, Rockville’s non-profit arts center. Cost is $25 per person.

Highlights of the family-friendly event include cooking competitions, tomato-themed promotions and displays, live music, kids activities, a youth art display, and a spaghetti eating contest. A schedule of activities is below. More information is available by calling 888-632-6176 or visiting http://www.nobetomatofestival.com.

September 10 Schedule includes:

10:30 a.m. to 12 noon
VIT (Very Important Tomato) BRUNCH
Support the arts during this brunch to benefit VisArts, Rockville’s non-profit arts center
Hosted by Seasons 52
$25 per person. To purchase tickets: https://tomatofestbrunch.eventbrite.com

12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
LIVE CONCERT
Enjoy a free performance by the popular Scott Kurt & Memphis 59 (modern country rock)

1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
“TOMATO TOSS UP” CHEF COMPETITION
Cheer your favorite top chefs as they compete for best tomato inspired dish.
Chefs representing Paladar Latin Kitchen, Seasons 52 and BRIO Tuscan Grille

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
SPAGHETTI EATING CONTEST
Compete for a title and a prize and eat your pasta too!
Free registration required in advance online at http://www.nobetomatofestival.com
Sponsored by BRIO Tuscan Grille

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
LIVE CONCERT
Enjoy a free performance by local favorite Durham Station (bluegrass)
ALL DAY (12 noon to 5 p.m.)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE SAUCE TASTING COMPETITION
Taste sauces made by some of the county’s top chefs, then pick your favorite!
Chefs representing BRIO Tuscan Grille, Seasons 52, American Tap Room Rockville,
Carluccio’s, Sug Osteria, Quincy's Bar & Grill, Gusto Italian Grill, Summer House and Stella Barra

YOUTH ART DISPLAY & ART ACTIVITIES
Discover colorful, tomato-themed art by local youth on display
Participate in free tomato-themed kids activities the whole family can enjoy
Hosted by VisArts

REYKA VODKA STATION
Sip and savor Bloody Mary drinks and other specialty cocktails to your heart’s content.
For guests 21 years of age and older. Valid ID Required.
Sponsored by Reyka Vodka

CENTRAL FARM MARKETS
Sample tomatoes and tomato products from Central Farm Markets coming on site for the Fest.

Plus, enjoy a friendly cornhole tournament presented by Spotluck, register to win fun prizes, and sample various varieties of tomatoes. Additional food offerings will be available for purchase.

The Tomato Festival is sponsored by North Bethesda Market with the support of its restaurants BRIO Tuscan Grille and Seasons 52. Additional sponsors include Spotluck, Reyka Vodka, and VisArts. Media sponsor is WASH-FM 97.1. Host is Kyle Sefcik of K-SEF Entertainment.

ABOUT NORTH BETHESDA MARKET:
North Bethesda Market, an award-winning development of the Washington, DC- based Bozzuto Group, has become the area’s go-to destination for shopping, dining, and luxury living. The Market is home to upscale and boutique retailers including Whole Foods, the Mid-Atlantic flagship store of Arhaus, along with ever-popular restaurants BRIO Tuscan Grille and Seasons 52, and state-of-the-art amenities such as a Signature L.A. Fitness Club. The center also features stunning residences including the tallest building in Montgomery County. Conveniently located on Rockville Pike, a few minutes north of I-495 and I-270, the Market is 15 minutes from Washington, DC, and near the White Flint Metro stop.

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