Annual Tomato Fights are messy fun for a good cause

PITTSTON — Donning goggles and a healthy sense of competition, participants in this year’s Tomato Fights were ready for war.

And they painted the Cooper’s Waterfront parking lot red.

The event was held Saturday, Aug. 22 during the 32nd Annual Tomato Festival at Cooper’s, located on Kennedy Boulevard. Truckloads of over 5,000 pounds of rotten and squished tomatoes were used as ammo. Though the fights only last about five minutes, cleanup takes a little bit longer.

The event is sponsored by Cooper’s and all proceeds will benefit Greater Pittston charities.

Jake Vaxmonsky of Jenkins Township takes his annual bath in the residue of the tomato fights at the Pittston Tomato Festival on Saturday afternoon.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_PSD082315TomatoFights_2.jpgJake Vaxmonsky of Jenkins Township takes his annual bath in the residue of the tomato fights at the Pittston Tomato Festival on Saturday afternoon. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Heather and Dawn Gardner came from Detroit to survive another tomato fight at the Pittston Tomato Festival on Saturday afternoon.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_PSD082315TomatoFights_3.jpgHeather and Dawn Gardner came from Detroit to survive another tomato fight at the Pittston Tomato Festival on Saturday afternoon. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

Victoria Hurley of New Egypt, New Jersey, left, Sydney Engleman of West Pittston, and Jennifer Mackiewicz of Middletown, Delaware celebrate surviving the annual tomato fights.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_PSD082315TomatoFights_4.jpgVictoria Hurley of New Egypt, New Jersey, left, Sydney Engleman of West Pittston, and Jennifer Mackiewicz of Middletown, Delaware celebrate surviving the annual tomato fights. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch

The Pittston City Department of Public Works clears the Cooper’s Waterfront parking lot after the annual tomato fights on Saturday afternoon.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_PSD082315TomatoFights_5.jpgThe Pittston City Department of Public Works clears the Cooper’s Waterfront parking lot after the annual tomato fights on Saturday afternoon. Bill Tarutis | For Sunday Dispatch