If you like tomatoes (and really, who doesn't?) then this weekend and next, you're in luck, because there's not one but two local tomato festivals where you can get your fill of lycopene.

Saturday, August 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., head to the Sacramento TomatoFest at Town & Country Village on the corner of Marconi and Fulton avenues in Sacramento. The Sacramento TomatoFest will feature a number of local restaurant chefs competing for a trophy and bragging rights as they prepare their best salsa, bruschetta and tomato soup (hot or cold). Be sure you get there early, because samples will be available as long as supplies last.

This event will also feature wine tasting, live music, demonstrations by Master Gardeners, and a Kid's Area (sponsored by Emigh's Hardware), where kids can plant their own tomatoes to take home, get their faces painted and much more.

For more information about Sacramento TomatoFest, click here.

Saturday, August 14, head to Woodland for The Annual Woodland Tomato Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., where you can help celebrate Yolo County tomato season with a day of food, entertainment, educational and recreational activities, and local crafts. The event will be held at Freeman Park, 1001 Main Street in Woodland.

In the morning, local farmers will be selling tomatoes and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. A free tomato tasting will allow you to taste and compare heirloom varieties such as Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Pink Lady, and Big Beef, as well as modern varieties. A salsa competition will highlight hot sauces prepared by local restaurants with Festival attendees tasting and judging the entries. Exhibits will highlight Yolo County tomato growing and UC Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening question. Free entertainment will be provided in the park gazebo.

For more information about The Annual Woodland Tomato Festival, click here or call 530-666-5335.

by Juliet Farmer