PEOPLE & PLACES
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Easy as Tomato Pie
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BY ISABELLA REILLY
The Pittsboro Farmers Market held its second annual Tomato Fest at its new location at The Plant on July 21. The summer fruit-themed event included a tomato pie contest, where attendees were invited to sample and vote on a winner. Of eight pie entries, Justin Stiles won the Top Tomato award. The judges were Sera Cuni, owner and chef at Cafe Root Cellar; Tami Schwerin, co-owner of The Plant; and Debbie Roos and Tara Gregory, both of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s Chatham County Center. Clarissa Griner was awarded the people’s choice award based on attendees’ votes, with Cheryl Harris winning first runner-up for the people’s choice. Celebrity Dairy kept visitors cool in the summer heat with chilled selections of goat milk items like spreadable cheeses, yogurts and gelato. Heart Song Farm, The Plant Factory and In Good Heart Farm offered guests a variety of tomatoes and other seasonal produce. Granite Springs Farm featured samples and recipe cards of Aunt Patty’s tomato spread, and Lilly Den Farm offered meat plus treats for four-legged friends. Rocky River Hemp sold Chatham County-grown hemp oil, and Vortex Roasters stocked its ethically sourced coffee blends. Vendors at the year-round market can only sell items they grow or produce within a 50-mile radius to ensure fresh local offerings. It’s open every Thursday from 3-6 p.m., rain or shine. CM 16
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022
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