Reno's Largest U. S. Food Fight to be Annual
Zany Affair Both Tourist Attraction and Charity Event
Aug 27, 2009
More than 5,000 participants took part in what was billed as "the largest tomato fight in North America." Called "La Tomatina en Reno," the event was held on the City Plaza in the heart of downtown Reno, and was so successful that it has been proclaimed an annual event.
Idea for the fund-raiser came from La Tomatina held for the past 50 years in the little city of Bunol in the Valencia region of Spain. Through the years, the Spanish tomato fight has attracted from 20,000 to 50,000 participants annually. Although not nearly as many people attended the Reno Tomatina, its sponsors expect to have more participants next year and are planning to have 100,000 pounds of tomatoes on hand to meet an increased demand.
The Reno event, proceeds from which will benefit the American Cancer Society, was co-sponsored by the Club Cal Neva. The afternoon's activities, including live music and street acts, began in 2009 at 1 p.m. Also on the program were face painting, games and other child-oriented fun. Food and beverage vendors also took part in the celebration. The tomato tossing main event began shortly after 6 p.m. and the party was scheduled to be over at 7.
Food Fight Included Local CelebritiesPeople who wanted to get in on the food-throwing part of the celebration paid for the privilege in the form of a minimum donation of $10 to the American Cancer Society. Among their targets were local celebrities, including Reno mayor Bob Cashell. Children who want to participate must be at least 16 years old and have the consent of their parents or legal guardians. There will be a special cherry tomato fight for children between the ages of five and ten.
La Tomatina is Newest Addition to Reno Summer Calendar
During the past decade, a number of annual celebrations -- such as the Reno River Festival --have been added to the area's calendar of events. Other already-established events, such as Hot August Nights and the month-long marathon of cultural performances called Artown, have been greatly expanded. And although for years charitable events such as fun runs have been sponsored by individual organizations, La Tomatina is one of the only celebrations to be co-sponsored by an individual casino.
The City Plaza is located at 10 South Virginia Street, site of the city skating rink. Vendors lined the stretch of South Virginia Street between First and Second Streets, which also served as one of the venues where clowns, mimes and live bands entertained. Several commercial parking garages are in the immediate area on Sierra and Center Streets. Firemen assisted city employees in cleaning up the mess, which in itself became a spectator attraction.
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