Jacksonville was one of the main attractions in East Texas on Saturday with its 33rd annual Tomato Fest. Nearly 10,000 were expected, and the event looked nothing short of it.

The family friendly event featured games, music, car shows, and all things tomatoes, including eating, growing and cooking contests.

State Rep. Travis Clardy, of Nacogdoches, visited the festival in Jacksonville, saying he has always loved the small town.

“This is a great festival with wonderful people,” Clardy said. “I always love being in downtown Jacksonville. I represent the best people in the world and prettiest part of the state.”

Arts and crafts, soccer matches, face painting carnival games for the kids were among activities attracting the young ones, while the parents gravitated to the classic car show and the hundreds of vendors downtown.

Kimberley Gaitan and her son, Dallas Gaitan, said it was their first time to the festival.

“I grew up here and have never been,” Kimberley said. “It is very nice. My son loved the face painting and we love just being able to hang out with the family.”

It was Jacksonville native Tarin Richardson’s first visit also.

“I just want to be out with the community,” she said. “There are so many things to do … It’s a big party with a lot of people.”