AVERY, Texas—Gone are the days when refrigerated train cars would barrel out of Avery full of delicious tomatoes, but that doesn’t stop the town from celebrating its tomato connection.

The Avery Tomato Festival today and Saturday celebrates the vital role tomato production had from the mid-1920s onward in the life of Avery. Avery used to be known as the “Tomato Center of Northeast Texas” until the industry started disappearing here in the 1960s.

Now, the festival highlights those bygone days by celebrating the plant (and fruit) in various ways, honoring the best red and green tomatoes; the biggest, smallest and ugliest tomatoes; the most beautiful dressed tomato; and even the best salsa.

Plenty of tomato-esque things will receive kudos at this festival.

Held in downtown Avery, the festival also has traditional family fun activities to entertain folks: crafts, vendors, carnival rides and games, barbecue, a horseshoe tournament, fried green tomatoes and cornbread and bingo.

Today at 6 p.m., the Tomato Festival Queen Pageant is held in the Avery ISD Cafetorium and Hip Hop Amusement Rides and Games also begin.

But there are also lawnmowers to add to everyone’s enjoyment on Saturday, and craft and food booths opening at 8 a.m.

At 2 p.m., competitors will face off in the STA-BIL Lone Star Mow Down Show Down with mowers roaring at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.

As well, the IMOW Experience will give a chance to those 18 years or older to try their hands driving an IMOW racing lawnmower on the track for eight laps.

On Saturday, the Night Hawk Band, Loose Cannon, Haywire will play and then Durango later that night for the Street Dance beginning at 8 p.m. Fireworks are set to follow.

“It’s free,” said Lynn Stephenson, city secretary, about activities. “Come and bring your lawn chair.”

For a full hour-by-hour schedule, check cityofavery.com/index13.htm.