Ruskin Tomato Festival
 
| contact |
 
Ruskin Tomato Festival! Free Tomatoes & Tomato Plants!
Dates
Place
Directions
Admission
Parking
Attendance
Highlights
About the Festival
Taste The Difference

Here in Ruskin, we pride ourselves on the best darn tomatoes on the west coast! Try them for yourself and learn the secrets to the perfect tomato!!
Keep Me Posted on the Festival!
 
Ruskin History Exhibit
 
The History of Ruskin, Florida

 

Click HERE to see our historical photos. Historical Photos

 

Since the early 1900's Ruskin has been an agricultural center with a unique beginning. The town was started as a utopian community, where residents not only farmed the land, but acquired an education at the Ruskin College. Until the early 1960s, this 'Commongood Society' remained intact through depression and war. The legacy they left was a considerable amount of publicly owned waterfront property which has given Ruskin a wonderfully accessible relationship with the Little Manatee River which flows through it, a
designated Outstanding Florida Waterway. In addition to farming, fishing has always been a popular occupation, both commercially and as a hobby.

Early pioneers, the Dickman family, still operate Artesian Farms, which donates all the tomatoes that are used during the festival. The Festival is especially important because much of our previous farmlands are being converted to housing. This celebration of our agricultural heritage helps us all remember our roots are in farming.

The festival was 'resurrected' 9 years ago after a 30 year hiatus, by the Ruskin Community Development Foundation. All funds raised go toward projects designed to enhance the community, or programs helping local youth.