Heirloom TomatoFest comes to Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE — Martin Ringhofer's back yard is like a mini jungle.

As the sun makes its first appearance early Sunday morning, 38 10-foot tall tomato plants seem as if they could grow even more with the first rays of sun.

In his garden Ringhofer has 18 to 20 varieties of Heirloom plants, including other heavenly smelling vegetables such as tomatillos for making salsa, lemon cucumbers and lime basil.

But the true jewels are the Heirloom tomatoes, some of which weigh 21/2 pounds, a hobby Ringhofer began four years ago.

The venture was at first a suggestion by a long time friend that evolved into a type of therapy for Ringhofer, whose health began to turn due to heart problems.

Today, the tomatoes are part of a bigger idea Ringhofer has to make the county the Heirloom tomato capital of the state starting with the first annual Grant County Heirloom TomatoFest in Soap Lake Saturday.

"We need something that's going to bring people here," he said. "Not only is there good money to be made," Ringhofer said, but there are people from the west side of the state who "have money, they like this kind of stuff and they're into organics."

The organically grown plants are well known for their rich flavor, size and are in demand by restaurants and organic produce stores.

At the first annual TomatoFest, Ringhofer is inviting gardeners, cooks and the community-at-large to learn about the more than 800 varieties of Heirlooms and how to grow them.

The event goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 23 Dogwood South in Soap Lake.

Whole Foods in Seattle, Ringhofer said, has already shown interest in possibly purchasing the tomatoes which have been known to sell at up to $5 a pound.

Representatives from farmers markets, local farmers and others are also expected to come see Ringhofer's tomatoes in coming days and weeks.

It is hoped that next weekend's event attracts the interest of others who will help grow between 10 and 40 plants for 2007. Starter plants will be provided free of charge.

Ringhofer also wants people to have a reason to stop in Soap Lake.

"We'd stop in Soap Lake, but there is nothing for us," Ringhofer reported hearing people say.

His hope is that an annual TomatoFest gives people a reason to stop.

If all goes well this year, Ringhofer would like to hold the event at different Heirloom tomato grower's homes in future years and invite wineries, and have people share recipes.

"They talk about revitalization, but they talk … you have to do something," he said.