La Tomatina en Reno

As far as I know, this has never been done in Reno. Billed as America's largest tomato fight, La Tomatina en Reno will involve a mass of people pelting each other with tomatoes in downtown Reno's City Plaza. Before and during the tomato tossing, there will be live entertainment and a Vendor Faire in the Plaza and along adjacent Virginia Street. At around 6 p.m., the Club CalNeva (major event sponsor) will unload a pile of tomatoes (about 25 tons) in the plaza and participants will create what will probably look like a messy red mosh pit. Just reading this makes me think the event is going to be a hoot, even if you stand out of range and just watch. I know people are already asking a particular question, so here's the answer - Tomatoes used for La Tomatina are not being gratuitously wasted. They cannot be used for food and are not salable.

La Tomatina en Reno events begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, and continue till 7 p.m. A variety of street vendors will be offering food, beverage, face painting and other activities for kids, live music, and street acts. Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini will be present between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., taking donations for the priviledge of firing tomatoes at these two local politicians. If you've always wanted to do this without getting arrested, here's your chance.

A donation of $10 or more is required to enter the fight, with all proceeds going to benefit the American Cancer Society. A $20 donation will also get you a commemorative T-shirt. Fight participants must be at least 16 years old and have consent of parent or legal guardian. Kids ages 11 to 16 are encouraged to participate by throwing a tomato at their parents, with parental permission of course. There will be a cherry tomato fight for younger children (ages 5 to 10).

Update: A City of Reno press release says that longs lines are expected for the chance to pelt Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and Sparks Mayor Geno Martini with tomatoes. The requested donation is $50 and those wishing to participate should register early at the front desk of the Club Cal Neva. Mayor pelting will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to note, however, that the mayors will be loaded and firing back.

If you have an event or activity you'd like to publicize for free, you can do it right here on RenoTahoe.About.com. Just go to Reno Area Events Submitted By Readers and fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Once approved, your entry will appear in date order according to when it will be happening.

Source: Reno's Club CalNeva and press release from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority.

Sign up to receive the Reno / Tahoe Newsletter and stay on top of what's happening.

Follow me on Twitter.