FREDERICKTOWN — The crowning of the 2008 Little Miss Tomato was the highlight of Wednesday’s activities at the 32nd annual Fredericktown Tomato Show “Lost in Time.” Julie Chester, the event’s moderator, was ably assisted by last year’s first runner-up Katie Dilts, who read an e-mail from 2007 Little Miss Tomato Gracie Misencik, who was unable to attend. Wearing tomato-red dresses, 25 young ladies graced the center stage as Chester interviewed each in turn. The 6-year-old contestants told about themselves and their families and answered questions about their pets, vacations and favorite activities.

McKenna Davidson, 2008 Little Miss Tomato, told the out-of-town judges about making her uncle laugh following his stroke. She also said she helped raise some money to help other stroke victims and revealed that she loves sea animals, “especially octopuses.” McKenna is the daughter of Amy and Daniel Davidson.

First runner-up Samantha Maglott talked about her dog Tinkerbell and said she plans to take dance lessons in tap and jazz this year. She confided that her mother was also a Little Miss Tomato contestant a long time ago. Her parents are Jessica and Glen Maglott.

Abigail Stevens, the daughter of Alyssa and Roger Stevens, was the second runner-up. She said she was thankful for God “because he made everything.” Abigail also confessed to watching her brother kiss his girlfriend at least once.

Fourth runner-up Savannah Barnett spoke about visiting her grandfather and said she likes talking with him. She also talked about her 10-year-old uncle Travis, who taught her how to swim.

Since the Tomato Show board believes each of the girls is a winner, all received crowns, wands and trophies. Huff’s Fine Jewelry donated winner McKenna’s tiara and Big O Amusements provided wrist bracelets to all contestants for free rides for the duration of the Tomato Show.

The official opening of the Tomato Show occurred before the Little Miss Tomato contest, with Tomato Show board president Mike Smith doing the honors. The Fredericktown High School scarlet and grey band performed prior to the opening, and also led the crowd with the national anthem. Pastor Keith Bohley gave the invocation and Dean Shira, 2008 Tomato Show parade marshal, was presented with a plaque commending him for his positive impact on the Tomato Show and the community at large.

Smith introduced fellow board members, including three junior board members, the first teens ever to serve on the board. After thanking show sponsors and a legion of volunteers, the board threw commemorative (artificial) tomatoes into the crowd, perhaps in anticipation of Saturday’s tomato tossing contest.

The pedal tractor pull for 4- and 5-year-olds was also held on Wednesday, with Annie Maglott coming in first. Corey Helmick was second and Emma Morey came in third. The mellow sounds of close harmony and catchy rhythms by the Dogwood Blossoms Chapter of the Sweet Adelines, a women’s barbershop choral group, rounded out the evening’s entertainment.

The Tomato Show continues along downtown Fredericktown through Saturday, Sept. 6.