Feral Gifter

GR attacked by killer tomatoes

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GRAND RAPIDS — The inaugural Tomato Fest and Great Tomato War established two facts Saturday: Tomatoes produce some award-worthy sauces, and they also catch some mad air.

The highlight of the free, outdoor event, celebrating all things tomato and presented by The B.O.B. and WLAV-FM (96.9), was the tomato battles — typically pitting competing local businesses or organizations against each other — that took place throughout the day at The B.O.B. parking lot in downtown Grand Rapids.

The ultimate tomato war, drawing the most spectators, was between the Grand Rapids Fire and Police departments.

“The firefighter with the side arm was the best,” said Grand Rapids resident Michael Kane, 42. “The firefighters dominated the police.”

The police were not readily available for post-battle comment.

“They ran away after they lost,” firefighter Erik Ryder said.

About $5,000 from the event was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network, said Marcus Bradman, director of special events for Citadel Broadcasting, which sponsored the event.