The Salem Tomato Festival is back!
Saturday – August 21st – 11am-4pm

The festival is inspired by Robert Gibbon Johnson, who as legend has it, stood on the steps of the Salem Courthouse in the early 1800’s and ate a bushel of what was then considered to be “poison apples.” Despite what many expected, he survived and tomatoes are now considered one of South Jersey’s many delicacies.

Starting in the 1980’s, Salem hosted Robert Gibbon Johnson Day, hundreds flocked to Salem and the event was highlighted with a reenactment of Johnson’s infamous tomato eating. A lot of fondness remains for that event, and people still love South Jersey tomatoes, so we saw fit to bring it back.
Food trucks, the tremendous DJ Jason Reese, the Best of South Jersey winning band To The Max, and the reenactment are ready to go. There will also be an all ages art contest hosted by the Salem Art League displayed at the old Salem Courthouse, a tomato competition and a tomato toss.
A variety of vendors and non-profits will be lined up Market Street. Vendor spots remain open! Whether you have a brick & mortar store or you just started making things at home in the last 18 months, we invite you to come set up a table in Salem and share what you have to offer. Non-profits of all varieties are invited as well. Applications are required for vendor and non-profit participation with all vendor fees waived if you apply before 8/8/21. No vendor fee for non-profits.

Please reach out to Tom Smith at 609-204-0825 or email him at tom.smith@mannington.com for questions related to vending, art contest submissions or the tomato competition.