The plump, ballon like vegetable called the Hanover Tomato, defined more by where its grown than its appearance, is grown ion this county. To celebrate this red vegetable there is an annual Tomato festival held each July in Mechanicsville. As you can guess there are a bunch of tomato contest held at this event such as the Best Original Tomato Recipe, Green Tomato Recipe, Homemade Tomato Juice, Homemade Salsa, Tasting Hanover Tomato Large Variety and Small Variety; Ugliest Tomato and Prettiest Tomato. Some of the best horses in the country are bred in the county. Hanover county is also home to Randolph–Macon College a private, co-educational liberal arts college.