Tomato Festival is the Unofficial Kickoff of the Arkansas General Election Political Season

US Senator Mark Pryor stops for a photo op with the Extension Homemakers who prepared the meal for the All- Tomato Luncheon.

All across town Saturday, people were talking about the long and well-attended Pink Tomato Festival Parade.  With the Tomato Festival being the first large festival after the political primaries and runoff elections, it is the unofficial kickoff of the political season in Arkansas.  This year politicians came out in force taking part in the parade, inundating the town with signs and campaign literature, and attending festival events such as the tomato eating contest and the All-Tomato Luncheon.

Sr. US Senator from Arkansas Mark Pryor and his campaign workers  during the festival parade.

Running for United States Senate, Senior US Senator from Arkansas Mark Pryor and his campaign workers arrived in town early and worked the early crowd gathered for the 5K Walk and Run and

those getting in position for the parade.  Senator Pryor rode in the parade and campaigners worked the parade onlookers.   He then attended the All-Tomato Luncheon where he spoke and highly commended the Extension Home Economists who prepared the meal.  Senator Pryor also brought two special guests with him to the luncheon, his parents:  former Senator (and Arkansas Governor) David Pryor and Mrs. Barbara Pryor.  Prior to the luncheon, Senator Pryor told salineriverchronicle.com that he had long hoped to return to the Tomato Festival and luncheon and that it was always one of his favorites.

Pryor's Republican opponent Tom Cotton, did not attend in person any portion of the festival.  He currently represents Bradley County as Fourth District Congressman.

Former Congressman Mike Ross, candidate for Governor, waves to the crowd.

Local Mike Ross campaign workers work the parade crowd.

Gubernatorial candidate former Unites States Fourth District Congressman Mike Ross and his wife Holly also arrived early along with campaign workers and canvased the parade route.  The couple rode in the parade while the campaigners touched base with as many along the parade route as possible.  Following the parade, Ross took part in the VIP division of the Tomato Eating Contest.  They then attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.  He received a great reception from the crowd at all of the events.

Asa Hutchinson visits with Loren McCloud along parade route.

Ross's Republican opponent from Northwest Arkansas, Asa Hutchinson, his wife, and his campaign workers also spread campaign literature.  Hutchinson also participated in the parade.  Hutchinson finished second in the VIP division of the Tomato Eating Contest behind the Democratic State Representative from Hermitage Jeff Wardlaw, a tomato farmer.  Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson did not attend the All-Tomato Luncheon.

James Lee Witt visits with Blake and Jill Lugash and John Cuthbertson while at the festival.

James Lee Witt, candidate for the Fourth District Congressional seat and former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, walked much of the parade route and visited with many attending.  He also took part in the VIP Tomato Eating Contest and attended the All Tomato Luncheon. See more of this story below the advertisement.

State Representative Bruce Westerman, the Republican candidate rode in the parade, took part in the VIP Tomato Eating contest and attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.

John Burkhalter prepares for the Tomato Eating Contest.

Democratic candidates for Lieutenant Governor John Burkhalter and Congressman Tim Griffin took part in the parade.  Burkhalter took part in the VIP division of the Tomato Eating Contest and attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.

Susan Inman waves to the parade onlookers.

Candidate for Secretary of State Susan Inman, candidate for Auditor Regina Stewart Hampton, and candidate for State Treasurer Karen Garcia attended the festival and took part in the parade, the VIP Division of the Tomato Eating Contest, and attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.  Incumbent Land Commissioner John Thurston also took part in the events.

Candidates for Attorney General Leslie Rutledge (R) and Nate Steel (D) also attended the festival. Ms. Rutledge took part in the parade and the VIP Tomato Eating Contest.  Mr. Steel took part in the parade, the Tomato Eating Contest, and attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.

State Representative Jeff Wardlaw and State Senator Eddie Cheatham both took part in the parade, the VIP Tomato Eating Contest, and attended the All-Tomato Luncheon.

Mike Ross digs in.

Regina Stewart Hampton enjoys the great weather for the parade.

John Thurston campaigns during the parade.