By Craig Brown
The 2013 Dillon County Tomato Growers Association held its annual supper and awards program Friday, June 19th at the Dillon Wellness Center.

Seventeen prizes were awarded with Mr. James Berry of Latta getting the top honor again this year. Dillon County extension agriculture agent, Grady Sampson assisted by Mrs. Trish DeHond and Mr. John McIntyre judged the tomatoes this year. DeHond is an agronomist and McIntyre works in horticulture. Seventeen contestants were judged in areas of Dillon, Latta, Oak Grove, Hamer and Floydale. Association President, Tom Rowland opened the meeting, thanked those in attendance and the contestants. Rowland asked Grady Sampson to introduce the judges.
Sampson gave a brief talk on the difficulty he and the judges had this year as there was some outstanding plants this year. Association Secretary, Charles Scott addressed the meeting and gave thanks to the people who were responsible for the meal. President Rowland ask Sheriff Hulon to pray for the meeting and give the blessing for the food.

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The main course of the meal was one of the best chicken bogs ever. Many stated that it was the best they had eaten. Lots of vegetables and mouthwatering desserts, with my favorite the multi-layer chocolate cake and this year they actually had some tomatoes on the menu.
After the meal, Rowland, Scott and Sampson announced the winners in order of finish. Finishing a close second was Henry Brunson, 3rd, Rita Hooker, 4th, Charles Scott, 5th, Sherwood McKenzie, 6th, Will Rowell, 7th, Marion Carter, 8th, Bobby Howell, 9th, Tom Rowland, 10th, Dick McKenzie, 11th, Paul Moody and Tristen Smith, the youngest contestant at age 10 received 12th place. Digger Thompson, Pam Sullivan, Cromer Stephens, Ken Stephens and Chris Corbert received a special award for growing some top rated tomatoes.
Always a gracious winner, Mr. Berry said he was very thankful for the cash award but a nice plaque would have been okay with him. If anyone is interested in joining the association they should contact Tom Rowland, Charles Scott or Grady Sampson.
Rules are simple, live and grow the tomatoes in Dillon County, be of good moral character, be a gracious winner or a good natured loser and love to grow tomatoes. Discussions during meetings are limited to tomatoes, football and politics are forbidden until the meetings are over. Henry Brunson closed the event with prayer.
All persons in attendance left well fed and happy with plans for 2014 already in the making.