Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Returns on July 17

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, Ford Fry's annual celebration of the beloved summer vegetable fruit, will go down on Sunday, July 17, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. It's the eighth edition of Killer Tomato Fest, and this year Fry is planning a "bigger, better" event at Park Tavern, adjacent to Piedmont Park in Midtown.

"For the longest time I have been wanting to go big with Attack of the Killer Tomato Fest," the local restaurant magnate said in a statement announcing the festival. "This year it will be bigger, better, and the ticket price will be dropped to $45 in order for more people to attend. We want to raise as much money as possible for Georgia Organics so that they can continue to support our local farmers. That's why we're bringing lots more chefs and many many more cocktails. I'd like to really bring it with the band too. I'm excited about this one!"

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival attracts chefs and bartenders from across Atlanta and charges them with creating tomato-centric comestibles for the masses. A panel of judges and crowd voting determines the top dishes and cocktails. The roster of culinary pros hasn't been released, but it should be revealed in the near future.

Last year, 51 industry folks provided the bites and sips. Organizers say 900-plus attendees descended upon Fry's JCT. Kitchen & Bar and raised more than $80,000 for Georgia Organics and The Giving Kitchen. Tickets for the 2016 festival will be available online beginning Friday, April 15.