Once-a-century veggie contest celebrates fresh food

Milton held its first vegetable contest in 100 years last week and about 20 residents entered tomatoes, beans, peppers, summer squash, and zucchini from private and community gardens. Organizers hoped that this year’s contest, part of the town’s 350th anniversary celebration, would commemorate Milton’s history as a farming town and involve the community in growing fresh food. Vegetables were judged by local farmers and prizes were based on flavor, coloring, shape, and uniformity. The top prize for zucchini was awarded to the heaviest, which weighed in at 5.39 pounds.