By Craig Brown
The Dillon County Tomato Growers Club held its annual banquet and awards ceremony Friday night at the Dillon Wellness Center.
The event has succeeded in bringing some of the best gardeners in Dillon County together as well as some who are just beginning for some good fellowship.
Some tomato growers guard their growing techniques like Fort Knox while others love to share their knowledge with others.
President Tom Rowland opened the event welcoming members and guests.
President Rowland ask Harold Caulder to open the banquet with prayer. A special thank you was given to Bobby McLean and Harold Caulder for preparing the main meal of pork and rice and to Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood “Digger” Thompson, Barbara Howle, Emily Moody and Charles Scott for side dishes and dessert.
After the meal President Rowland turned the program over to County Extension Agent, Grady Sampson. Sampson thanked the contestants and reminded everyone at the event that without the growers the event would not be possible.
Agent Sampson was correct, but all of the contestants would agree that without the tireless work of President Tom Rowland the event would be far less successful.
It was noted by Sampson and Rowland that several individuals and local businesses want to be a part of the event even though they don’t actually grow any tomatoes. The event has become so popular that many people just want to be a part of it.
Agent Sampson made it clear before announcing the placement of the contestants that some contestants tomatoes may have peaked too soon and others yet to reach their full beauty but the judges had to go by how the tomatoes looked on the day of judging on June 22. A week earlier or later may have changed the outcome for some contestants.
Agent Sampson recognized one of this year’s judges, Joan Ervin, and thanked her for taking her valuable time to travel the county to look at 16 contestant’s tomatoes also thanking her for her presence at the event. Coming in at number 16 was Bryan Hyatt. Hyatt has long been a club favorite who is well-liked by the other contestants. James L. Alford received 15th place with Teresa Brown receiving 14th place. Coming in at 13th place was Kromer Stephens. Twelfth place went to Digger Thompson. Eleventh place went to Andy Hasty. Tenth  place went to Bobby Howle. Ninth place went to Chris Corbett. Agent Sampson announced that there was a four way tie among the following contestants: Paul Moody, Will Rowell, Triston Smith, and Andy Wallace. Pete Cooper received the James L. Alford award for fourth place. Tom Rowland received the award for third place. The final two contestants this year were the same as last year, Ronnie Bracey and Willie Davis. These two gentlemen seem to have a special green thumb or in this case a red thumb because they grow some of the best tomatoes not only in Dillon County, but could compete nationally. Last year, Davis took the closely judged contest but this year Bracey edged him out for first place honors. The final award for the youngest grower went to Triston Smith. The second place, first place and youngest grower awards were named for Robbie Coward.
Some years over a hundred people will attend the banquet. This year about half that attended with weather being blamed for some no-shows.
Many club members decide not to even have their tomatoes judged but everyone has fun.
With all of the outstanding gardeners in Dillon County this club should boast over 100 members or more. The banquet and fellowship is worth far more than the low cost entry fee. Those wishing to join should contact County Agent Grady Sampson or Club President Tom Rowland. If you love to grow tomatoes do yourself a favor and sign up for next year.