Penola residents have been busy growing tomatoes for the eighth annual Penola Tomato Growing Competition being held tomorrow at the Coonawarra Community Hall.

Judging will take place at 5.30pm and the person with the champion tomato will receive the perpetual William Wilson trophy.

Other prizes include the Aphrodite prize for the prettiest cherry or cocktail-sized tomato, the Donald Trump prize for the second place winner or the ugliest tomato and a prize for the largest tomato.

The three judges include Melissa Innes and Paul Stone from local restaurant Ottelia and Suzie Kidman will be the senior judge.

In addition to bragging rights, all prize holders will receive a wine prize.

All proceeds raised from the competition will be donated towards helping the community.

In past years the competition has raised money for the CFS, the local ambulances and this year it is raising funds for a defibrillator for the Coonawarra Community Club.

Event organiser Maria Weinberg said the event was popular each year and attendees could also enjoy tasty cocktails on the night.

“It’s a great night,” Ms Weinberg said.

“Lots of people turn up on the night even if they have not put in tomatoes.”

There is still time to enter as SE Voice readers have until 6pm tomorrow for final entries.

Competition forms are available at the Coonawarra Community Club, Meek’s Butcher, Penola True Value Hardware and the Coonawarra Store for a $20 entry fee.