29th Annual National Cornbread Festival draws crowds to South Pittsburg
SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. (WDEF) – The 29th Annual National Cornbread Festival took place this weekend in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, bringing thousands together to celebrate one of the South’s most beloved traditions.
Festival goers enjoyed food, live entertainment, and the popular cornbread cook off, where contestants from across the country competed with creative dishes centered around cornmeal and cast-iron cooking.
For some visitors, it was their first time experiencing the festival.
“First Cornbread Festival since I was 11, but so far it has been nice, wonderful, outstanding. I have tried like two pieces of cornbread, but I am not trying to eat a whole lot though,” said first-time attendee Leroy Norwood.
One of the most anticipated attractions was the cook off, where contestants showcased inventive recipes.
Contestant Naylet Larochelle prepared a dish called Streetside Korean Cornbread Toast.
“Right now, it is parsley, and then I am going to go with toasted sesame seed, and that is about it,” Larochelle said while adding the finishing touches to her plate.
Judges explained that the competition requires creativity, skill, and a love for cornbread.
“People from all over the country submit their recipes. They have got to be entrée-style recipes that include one cup of cornmeal. They have to use cast iron, whether it is a skillet or another live cast iron product, and it has got to have amazing creativity,” one judge said.
For longtime fans, the festival has become more than an event. It has become a tradition worth singing about.
Carl “Cornbread” Hammac, who wrote a song about the festival, said the celebration inspired him.
“When we saw they had a cornbread festival, what an opportunity to write a song about it,” Hammac said.
Larochelle said participating in the contest meant more to her than winning.
“Sometimes I consider cooking in the kitchen therapy for myself. Creating different recipes and bringing in cultural flavors is something I love. I was happy to bring my Korean Streetside Cornbread Toast here for the judges to try,” Larochelle said.
Organizers say the annual event continues to grow each year, blending food, creativity, and Southern hospitality.
They say the festival remains a source of pride for South Pittsburg and a tradition that keeps people coming back year after year.
