Niland celebrates the Tomato

(72^nd Annual Niland Tomato Festival)…It was held over the weekend.

 It is apparently regaining its popularity. Officials say attendance had been down the past few years, but that apparently is changing with the return of the carnival rides. No attendance numbers have been made available, but participants say the increase was evident over the 3-day festival. The were 29 entries in the Saturday Parade, and music throughout the day. One of the more popular events at the Tomato Festival is the Tomato Packing Contest. This year the men’s division was dominated by the Orallo’s. Walter Orallo took first place. Second place went to Robert Orallo. In the women’s division, first place went to Ericka Ramirez, while Tifaney Ladiz took second. Sunday began with a breakfast, followed by a swap meet. The events did not interrupt the Super Bowl Sunday. The game was shown on a large screen. Those who did not want to watch the game were able to have fun on the carnival rides.