Location: Huber Park, 1520 Davidson Dr., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

Sidebar: Don’t make the mistake I did. Enter the park from Livingston Avenue instead of Main Street. The parking closest to Main St. was full. There was ample grass or paved parking near the Livingston Ave. entrance. The price was right for parking, free.

This event was free, but pop (soda), water and Gatorade were $2. Most beer, wine, and the Bloody Mary bar were $6. The wrist bands to ride the rides were $20. Tickets were $1 each or 24 tickets for $20. Each ride on the average required 3 to 5 tickets. A wrist band or ticket was required to ride the rides.

Sidebar: This is how the website (reytomatoefest.com) describes the tomato war: “One open round of up to 150 goggle wearing participants will divide and face off in a battle where there are no losers. Participants will toss rotten tomatoes til there are no more”. I envisioned tomatoes swarming with flies and mold filled being smashed in someone’s face from about a foot away. Each team was separated by several feet. This seemed to be a safe and fun activity.

(Interview with Steven Hicks) Why did you participate in the Tomato War?

We are excited about the life they are breathing into the Tomato Festival. A lot of people are excited about the festival this year. We thought we would participate because it would be a heck of a lot of fun. We get to throw tomatoes at each other and have a big food fight. I hope this is a tradition we can do every year and have a lot of fun doing it.

Anything you would like to add (Grace Hicks)?

I like getting dirty, so this was pretty fun.

Why did everyone want to hit you or get you even before the Tomato War began.

I have been part of the community for 25 years. I officiate 5 different sports. I do a lot for the city of Reynoldsburg. Every sport they have, I do. A lot of the parents and kids know me. The one time they can get me back is right now.

They really didn’t get you back because you look clean.

Trained skill. You got to dodge and weave.

This is the first Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival in a while. How long was it gone?

It has been gone for about 2 years. This is the first year it’s been back. The city of Reynoldsburg is running it. It is a little more organized. It’s very well put together. We are looking forward to the future.

I talked to Jereatha Heriot (Today’s International Woman’s Mrs.) and members of the Reynoldsburg High School student council.

The Holy Tomato Kickball was not your ordinary kickball games.

My take on the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival 2019:

The Tomato War and Holy Tomato Kickball are “special sauce” activities. I think activities of this type bring people together to connect on a more meaningful level. If I didn’t have my camera gear, I would have participated in both activities.