MCT-2024-08-01

Marion County’s Finest 2024— 3 T he National Cornbread Festival (NCF) has become a cornerstone event for South Pittsburg, thanks to its origins rooted in community concern and creativity. The festival was conceived in 1995, following the announcement of the future Highway 72 bypass, which sparked worries among South Pittsburg residents about potential economic im- pacts and a loss of sales tax revenue. In response, local citizens brainstormed ways to keep the town vibrant. Their solution was a grand annual festival designed to draw visitors to South Pitts- burg. Given that the town is home to Lodge Cast Iron—a company known for its association with cornbread—the idea for the first National Cornbread Festival, held in 1997, emerged as a natural fit. The festival relies heavily on volun- teers, with approximately 2,000 indi- viduals contributing each year. School groups constitute a significant portion of this workforce, with students and teachers from South Pittsburg Elemen- tary & High School, Jasper Elementary andMiddle School, Marion County High School, Whitwell High School, Richard Hardy Memorial School, and North Jackson High School participating. These schools send their football, volley- ball, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling, and track teams, as well as Interact clubs, student councils, band boosters, cheerleaders, and shop classes. Addi- tionally, local groups such as Marion County 4H, Girl’s Inc., fire departments, Lions Club, MARC, various churches, and numerous community non-profits contribute to the festival’s success. After the 2024 festival, the festival board reviewed financial statements and allocated just over $79,000 to vol- unteer organizations. This funding is crucial, as many of these groups depend on the festival’s support for their exis- tence. One of the festival’s highlights is Cornbread Alley, where nine different recipes compete for the title of Best Recipe, drawing significant crowds and participation. The National Cornbread Festival not only benefits non-profit entities but also generates revenue for food ven- dors, arts and crafts vendors, and local businesses. While exact profits for vendors are not tracked, their consistent return each year suggests that they experience substantial ben- efits. The festival has a significant economic impact, filling hotels, fuel- ing vehicles, packing restaurants, and boosting sales at local businesses. To ensure the festival remains fresh and engaging, planning for the next event begins even before the current one concludes. The festival organizers actively seek and listen to feedback, valuing suggestions from all sources, including critics, to continu- ally improve the event. Since its inception, the National Cornbread Festival has placed South Pittsburg on the map, drawing na- tional attention to the town. Over the years, the festival has contributed nearly $2 million to volunteer groups, town improvements, and special proj- ects, underscoring its immense intrin- sic value to the community. National Cornbread Festival is Finest Community Event