Pluck your largest tomato for Dundee Township contest

Gardeners take note, the Dundee Township Visitor's Center, 319 N. River St. in East Dundee, is once again hosting a Largest Tomato Contest Saturday, Aug. 15. This is the 12th year for the contest, a special event held each year during the Old Dundee Farmers Market.

Tomatoes may be entered between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; judging will commence at noon for first- to third-place prizes.

The contest is sponsored by the Dundee Township Visitor's Center (aka the Depot), and there is no fee to enter. Tomatoes will be judged by weight and may be red, green or any variation of ripeness in between, although contest organizers noted that red tomatoes tend to weigh more due to their added moisture content.

Event organizers have collected more than $1,000 in prizes in the form of gift certificates from local businesses. First- to third-place prizes will be awarded.

The Old Dundee Farmers Market, which takes place each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the depot grounds, will be open for business. The market features over 40 vendors selling locally grown produce, plants and flowers plus collectibles, antiques, jewelry and more. New vendors are always welcome. For information about the contest or the farmers market, call (847) 426-2255.