Alabama’s annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch is expected to be yuuuge on June 25.
That’s partly because the state’s political season has begun.
With an expected 1,000-plus tomato eaters on hand, statewide candidates in next May’s primary and their entourages are expected in force – shaking hands and networking as people line up for the tomato sandwich bar. It’s a captive audience, and they are all likely voters.
You could not attract a more politically-aware crowd.
While most will be there for the Alabama-grown tomato sandwiches, they are a target-rich environment for candidates to be seen.
The lunch is at the Ed Teague Arena at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25. The cost is free. No ticket or RSVP is required. Come on and get in line.
It’s a showcase of a major Alabama agricultural industry, the tomato growers.
It’s networking for Alabama politicians, ag employees, farmers and tomato lovers.
Most of all, it’s a delicious lunch featuring a Southern staple.
The annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch has been going on for 21 years. Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate will host it again on June 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is put on by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and sponsors. The Ag department staff serves the hundreds of Alabama eaters.
The star of the show is the Sweet Grown Alabama tomato sandwich. A buffet line allows the eater (you) to custom-make the tomato sandwich of your choice. The ingredients are there, and you choose.
Beef steak sliced tomatoes
Bama Mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
White bread (in the South, “loafa bread”)
These basics create the most popular item, the plain tomato sandwich. Other add-ons are available for fancier tastes:
Lettuce
Zeigler Bacon
Sweet onion (Alabama version of Vidalia)
Goat cheese
Sides include:
Silver Queen Corn
Milo’s Sweet Tea
Chilton County Peach Cobbler
Blue Bell Ice Cream from Sylacauga
Attire is summer come-as-you-are. Because of the juicy tomatoes, bibs are welcomed and neckties are discouraged.
After eating, you are invited outside to the Sweet Grown Alabama Farmer’s Market, where you can buy and take home fresh Alabama produce.
Slocumb wears the title of “Tomato Capital.” It is in eastern Geneva County near Dothan. Hundreds of Slocumb tomatoes will be consumed at the lunch and sold at the farmer’s market. The most popular tomato type from Slocumb is the Globe Tomato.
Only two things money can't buy
That's true love and homegrown tomatoes.
— John Denver, raised in Montgomery. Most folks don’t know that.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
