SvalleyNow.com — Sequatchie Valley Now

Cornbread Festival has Huge Turnout in South Pittsburg

Gracie Woods

The 29th Annual Cornbread Festival began with some wet weather on Saturday, but it didn’t spoil the fun. Since its start in 1997, the National Cornbread Festival has brought together southern cuisine and community spirit. Organizers report that the two-day festival generates over $30,000 for the local economy, benefiting hotels, gas stations, and businesses.

The event offers activities for all ages, including live music, a kids’ corner, local vendors, and a cornbread cook-off. To handle bad weather, organizers set up tents and use a sound system to keep everyone informed about safety procedures.

Rain or shine, tens of thousands attend for the cornbread experience. This year’s cook-off winner was Gracie Woods, who wowed judges with her Corn Fritter Smash Burger. Eash entry is cooked on skillets made by Lodge Manufacturing. On Saturday night, award-winning musician Lorrie Morgan took the main stage as the featured performer.

The festival concluded on Sunday with a large turnout enjoying food, rides, and entertainment.

Lucky Knott

Lucky Knott is a longtime broadcaster, sportscaster, and news reporter, having worked in radio here in the Sequatchie Valley and in Coffee and Grundy County for many years. You can hear his news reports weekday mornings and afternoons on The River 104.9 WEPG in Marion County and Country Roads 93.3 in Dunlap/Pikeville. He is also Editor for SValleyNow.com - Sequatchie Valley Now.