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www.gregmonforton.com Volume 2, Issue 08
Weekend Weather Thursday
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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Leamington’s Big Tomato turns 50!
Friday
Volunteers needed…
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Saturday
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Sunday
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As reported from Environment Canada www.weatheroffice.gc.ca Harrow AAFC
2010-2011 Flyers Page 12
Rotary Exchange student returns from Japan - Page 6
Leamington’s beloved landmark and moniker – the Big Tomato – planted squarely in the centre of town, is turning 50 years old this spring. The Big Tomato information booth opened on May 8, 1961 when Heinz President Frank T. Sherk and Carol Penner toasted the opening with a glass of tomato juice, which has since become the tradition each year as the kickoff for Tomato Festival. The Big Tomato was designed by Bob Moran and his team of engineers from Heinz and has certainly stood the test of time. To u r i s t s need only look for the 10-foot tomato on Talbot Street West to find the town’s Tourist Information Booth. The Big Tomato has been featured in magazines, newspapers and was even mentioned by Dave Letterman as an audience member had mentioned Leamington, Ontario – the Tomato Capital of Canada and he talked about the Tomato Capital and giant Tomato. The Big Red Tomato tourist booth has managed for 50 years because of the volunteers and summer students who work inside the tomato each year. The tomato is actually run through the Leamington Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Dharmesh Patel says that volunteers are needed to operate the booth this year, which includes handing out maps, brochures and pamphlets and giving directions and recommendations to tourists. Secondary school students are encouraged to volunteer as they can earn volunteer hours needed to graduate high school. Students can volunteer for as many hours as they can accommodate throughout the tourist season. Anyone can volunteer from students to retirees, anyone with knowledge of the area and some time to spend inside the tomato. Patel is hopeful that the Chamber will be able to have the Big Tomato open by the first week of May to take advantage of the thousands of burders who flock to the Leamington and Point Pelee Park area during the month-long Festival of Birds celebrations. If you can volunteer some time this year, please call the Chamber office at 519-326-2721.
Building Barn #1156 LET YOURS BE Industrial • Commercial • Agricultural #1157 519-735-6606
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March Break Art Camp
“For The Art Of It”
March Break was especially fun for the budding young artists who attended the “For The Art Of It” March Break Art Camp instructed by Katherine Burton of Art Works at the Leamington Arts Centre. Sessions were held all week in the morning with a different theme and technique each day. From charcoal drawing on Monday to watercolour, oil painting and t-shirt painting, the participants had fun all week. Pictured here working on her oil painting is Chloe Mills. (SUN PHOTO)
THE LEADING EDGE FARM BUILDINGS
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