WILMINGTON, Ohio — The time is right to be picking ripe tomatoes. Those at Wilmington College know that and they’re anxious to show off the fruits of their labor at the Tomadah Paradah from 6-8 pm. on Aug. 21. The event is free to the public.

Monte Anderson, professor of agriculture at Wilmington College, and Phil Swindler of Swindler & Sons Florists have been tending 78 varieties of tomatoes this summer. The two are cosponsoring the tomato event for residents to share their love of tomatoes and gardening.

This free event will allow guests to taste the 78 varieties of tomatoes and tour the tomato gardens. Experts will be on hand to discuss each hybrid. Some varieties to be on display include Hillbilly, Box Car Willie, Super Sioux, Sun Start, Caspian Pink, Black Krim, Great White and more.

One day before this event, an official weigh-in for the largest locally grown tomato will be conducted, as well as a contest for the best-tasting tomato.

Tomato growers in the area say heat and humidity have kept blight to a minimum but insects and worms have been a pest. Anderson and Swindler will share their methods for dealing with these pests.

An estimated 10,000 varieties of tomatoes have been grown in the United States.