Murphy – About 550 people provided steady foot traffic for the second annual Cherokee Clay Food Alliance’s Tomato Fest & Bloody Mary Contest on July 27 at the River Walk.
The event ran simultaneously with the Murphy Farmers Market at the L&N Depot. The Tomato Fest was held under several large tents, with bright skies and sunny weather.
Seven restaurants took place in the event, with each offering an original Bloody Mary recipe. Event-goers were treated to a variety of samples – some quite elaborate – while original music was performed by Wyatt Espalin and Zach Kilmer.
Restaurant participation included Chevelles 66 Murphy, Chevelles 69 Hayesville, Legends Steakhouse, Murphy Chop House, Tattered Tartan Pub of Andrews, The Mason Bar in Murphy and Nocturnal Brewing Co. of Hayesville.
The Mason Bar of Murphy took first place in the People’s Choice category, followed by Nocturnal Brewing in second and Tattered Tartan Pub in third. Each walked away with a varying degree of bragging rights.
The Cherokee Clay Food Alliance is a nonprofit whose mission is to improve access to locally grown food in Cherokee and Clay Counties by strengthening farmers markets and the local food system through education, entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.
The Murphy Farmers Market was also in full swing, with folks checking out all the different vendor booths. The pet-friendly, family event offered arts and crafts that were original and fun as well as vendors selling fruits, veggies, honey, soaps and many other items.
Marlana Baker with N.C. Cooperative Extension in Cherokee County had a donation station booth set up, with no shortage of folks wanting to help.
“We support Cherokee County food pantries. We collect donations from people who are visiting the farmers market, and they can purchase extra food and donate it to our table,” she said. “At the end of the market day, the food pantry of the day will pick it up and distribute it to Cherokee County residents who are food insecure.”