PITTSTON -- The 29th annual Pittston Tomato Festival kicked off Thursday.
"Each year it gets better and better. This year we're showing off the downtown and all the revitalization efforts. Last year, we were under a bit of construction so the town is sparkling now and we're hoping for good weather," said Lori Nocito, chairwoman of the festival.
Tens of thousands attend the annual four-day festival each year to enjoy the games, and most of all, the food.
The Tomato Festival is probably one of the most wonderful affairs that northeast Pennsylvania could put out. They do beautiful work, the food is outstanding. I just can't say enough about it," said Darlena Maslar of Dickson City.
"Being next to the pastries and all that is definitely a challenge each year, trying not to overstuff myself," said William Mitchell of Nico's Pizza who has been working at the festival for years.
Former Pittston Mayor Tom Walsh passed away recently. He is credited with helping to start the Tomato Festival.
"We have such respect for those who started this festival, you know, the new committee. It's our fifteenth year, but the ones who started it 29 years ago, they deserve a lot of credit as well," said Nocito.