National Cornbread Festival set to sizzle next weekend

A true Southern meal wouldn’t be complete without a side of fresh, hot cornbread.

And that’s exactly what’s in store during the 14th Annual National Cornbread Festival. The celebration of all things cornbread takes place next weekend in South Pittsburg, Tenn., an easy two-hour drive from Atlanta.

The two-day festival features a number of events, ranging from buttermilk chugs to a dry cornbread eating contest to a Miss National Cornbread pageant. Of course, the festivities wouldn’t be complete without live music, shopping and a cornbread cook-off.

“Our festival is a celebration of our community, Southern food, music and art,” National Cornbread Festival President Ed Fuller said in a news release. “The spirit of volunteerism – with over 1,000 local volunteers helping to make us a success – has made this one of the best festivals in America.”

Martha White, along with Lodge Cast Iron and Five Star Range, sponsors the cook-off, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Central Time on Saturday. The winner – who will take home a $5,000 grand prize – is expected to be crowned at 4 p.m. Saturday.

“The quality and creativity of cornbread recipes that are submitted to the contest continues to impress me year after year,” Linda Carman, a Martha White baking expert, said in a news release calling for entries. “Several years ago, we began receiving recipes that got their unique style from being served with a ‘salad’ topping.

“Crowning a hearty cornbread casserole with leafy greens or other vegetables, cheese and dressings gave a surprising and refreshing new dimension to the concept of a casserole,” Carman added. “This is just one example of the unique recipes we receive. We encourage entrants to experiment with different flavors, techniques and ingredients.”

In addition, the Southeast Tourism Society has named the 2010 festival a Top 20 Event for the Southeast.

“This is the first time we’ve been recognized on this kind of level. This puts us in a different category,” said Fuller. He noted the festival has come a long way since its inception more than a decade ago.

“I envisioned a small, regional festival,” Fuller said of planning the inaugural festival in 1996. “Others who got involved helped me realize that this could become a national event.”

Admission is $3 per day. For more information and a complete listing of events, log onto www.nationalcornbread.com.

IF YOU GO: From Atlanta, take Interstate 75 north to Chattanooga, Tenn. Then, take Interstate 24 to Exit 152, and continue on Highway 72 west for approximately 1.5 miles; bear right and follow the sign into downtown South Pittsburg.