NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
The Tomato Art Festival will be making its ninth appearance Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in East Nashville.
The Festival starts at 9 a.m. with a New Orleans style second line parade beginning in front of the Bongo Java East followed by full scheduled music on the Vietti Foods Main stage. Musical talent featuring include: Elmo Buzz and the Eastside Bulldogs, Half Brass, Jessica Rae, Richard DuBois, Rock City Birdhouse and many more.
The expected turnout is set to draw more than 18,000 attendees who will be able to participate in a variety of activities and contest throughout the day. Such events include: The Tomato 5K, costume contest for both humans and pets, The Tomato Art Show, bobbing for tomatoes, a Bloody Mary competition, an ugly tomato contest and many more.
Festival goers can enjoy food and drinks under a tent in the First Tennessee Bank VIP Area with a great view of the day's entertainment on the Vietti Foods Main Stage.
The festival will cover several blocks near East Nashville's Five Points area. The following streets will be closed during the event: Woodland between South 10th Street and South 12th Street; South 11th Street between Russell Street and Forrest Avenue; and Clearview Avenue from South 10th Street to South 11th Street.
Because of the festival, The Tennessee Department of Transportation is suspending contruction on Interstate 24 this weekend. The construction, which started in April, has made it hard to get to the east side on the weekends.
Visit http://www.tomatoartfest.com for more information including VIP Ticket purchases, parade route and schedule of events.
Find the event on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tomatoartfest.
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