In the early 1980's, what may have precipitated the first tomato war was a comment made to Taylor Adams, the owner of the Inn of the Black Wolf at Twin Lakes. The inn was so-named at the time because the she raised wolves there.

A woman from Dallas surveyed the natural beauty of the area that is nestled below Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak. “It sure is pretty here,” she exclaimed. "It's a shame no one has done anything with it. " The owner knew right then that she needed to do something, not about developing the area, but about Texans. Thus was born The Great Colorado versus Texas Tomato War.

Ever since Texans could drive, they have vacationed and purchased property in Colorado, creating a love-hate relationship with Coloradans who like to take Texans' money while begrudging their presence.

Apparently, other Coloradans feel the same way. As many as 500 participated in one “war” at Twin Lakes during a 12-year run that began in 1982. The Colorado battle cry was “Keep Colorado Beautiful. Buy a Texan a bus ticket home.”

Some of the best strategy has included a Texan arriving by helicopter, a Coloradan arriving by parachute and a peace march by a dissenting group. In 1984 inventive Texans moved into battle with a cardboard tank complete with a cannon that squirted tomato juice.

During past wars, the outnumbered Texans have employed elaborate strategies. They have built forts of straw bales and dubbed the forts “the Tomalamo.” The Tomalamo has typically been the scene of the most intense fighting.

In some years, protesters arrived in outrageous costumes carrying signs that read, “Hell no. We won't throw,” and spouting slogans saying tomatoes should be used for Bloody Marys and barbeque sauce. Mock protesters shouted “Make Paste, Not Waste.”

In 2020 the tomato war was revived by a 10-year participant in “the wars” at Twin Lakes. Larry Bunte, with the help of friends and fraternity brothers, organized a small event in Guffey, Colorado, and raised over $1,700 for Cystic Fibrosis.

In the fall of 2021, the Rotary Club of Buena Vista, with the help of Larry Bunte and friends, organized a larger event at The Meadows on the outskirts of Buena Vista. Nearly $9,000 was raised to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the Buena Vista and Lake County School Districts.

Almost $12,000 was raised in 2022. After a year to recover, the Great Colorado versus Texas Tomato War returned. The event was held near Poncha Springs and, in spite of threatening weather. raised $14,000 for Chaffee County Hospitality. This year, in 2025, with the event organized by the Optimist Club and assurances of beautiful fall weather, The Great Colorado versus Texas Tomato War promises to be even bigger, better and more fun!