‘Mater Mayhem Tomato Pie Contest
The ‘Mater Mayhem Tomato Pie Contest is our signature event. The winner will claim bragging rights for the next year and reign supreme in the annals of the Haywood Grows Farm Fest. The winning recipe will be published in the Mountaineer Newspaper and also invited back to next year’s contest as a judge! There are (3) categories offered: Standard; GF/Vegan; and Baker under Age 18. Cost to enter is $25. Download the full contest rules below and enter by clicking that beautiful Tomato Pie slice to the right!
Little Miss/Mister Tomato Contest
Our Little Miss and Little Mister Tomato Contest will be held at 10:00 am at the Main Stage and at the conclusion we will crown our 2026 winners! Open to boys and girls ages 4 to 8, contestants should wear a tomato-themed costume and be prepare to strut their tomato best on stage. All participants will receive a prize. Our 2026 winners will also receive a sash and be asked to ride in the Tomato Express in the Town of Canton Labor Day parade! Entry fee is $5 and pre-registration is encouraged using the link on the right. Be sure to download the Little Miss/Mister Tomato Contest application and rules below.
Ms. Hot Tomato Contest
Ladies! Get ready to show off your best Hot Tomato self in our Ms. Hot Tomato Contest! Dress us in your tomato best, be in glam, funny, or classic, just keep it family-friendly and you could be crowned Ms. Hot Tomato for 2026! Winner will receive a sash and be invited to ride in the Tomato Express in the Town of Canton Labor Day parade! Entry fee is $5 and pre-registration is encouraged using the link on the right. Be sure to download the Ms. Hot Tomato Contest rules below.
Every ‘Mater Matters Art Contest
Are you an artist, or do you just love drawing and painting and creating? Regardless, this is your opportunity to show the world (okay, just Haywood County) your creative talent! All submitted works must incorporate something involving a tomato or tomato items like stakes, cages, vines, seed packets, etc. All mediums are welcome and all ages and levels are invited to submit their entries for judging. Pre-registration is required using the link to the right. There is no fee to participate however all submitted art will be sold for the benefit of Canton non-profits following judging. Judging will be at 10:00 am and Ribbons will be awarded for prizes. Artwork must be submitted by Monday July 27th to Haywood Handmade Gallery in Waynesville or Grateful Table in Canton.
Gardener’s Best Tomato Contest
Calling all gardeners! Earn bragging rights and a big ole’ ribbon if you have grown the largest, smallest, ulgiest, or most perfect tomato you’ve ever seen! No pre-registration is required, just drop your winning tomato at the Festival Tent by 10:30 am. Entry is free, and you can enter each category once. Entries may be picked up at the conclusion of the event at 4:00 pm at the Festival Tent. Bring on the tomatoes!
Spaghetti Eating Contest
It's going to get messy! We are looking for our first 'Mater Mayhem Spaghetti-Eating Champion! The feasting starts Saturday, August 1 at 12:30 pm! Join us for a celebration of food, competition, and the insatiable quest for spaghetti supremacy. Who will rise to the challenge and claim the crown as the ultimate Spaghetti-Eating Champion, the Prince or Princess of Pasta? Contestants will dig in, NO utensils in hand, as they go head-to-head in this epic showdown of gastronomic gluttony!
The spectacle begins at 12:30 PM at the Main Stage Sorrells Street Park—but if you’re hoping to compete, you must sign-up between 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Festival Tent. It’s free to enter, but spots fill quickly; and you’ll want to show up hungry. Limited to the first 10 contestants.
Claim your place in Haywood County history as the first winner of our ‘Mater Mayhem Tomato Pie Contest. Print or download complete rules and get ready to bake your way to stardom! NOTE: Please be sure to note in the comment section if your entry is Gluten-Free/Vegan or a Baker under age 18. And good luck to all bakers!
