JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Downtown South Pittsburg was bursting with lively festivity during this year’s 28th Annual National Cornbread Festival.
Held on the last weekend of April, the National Cornbread Festival stands as the community’s largest public event. Thousands travel to the area each year to experience various flavors of homemade cornbread at the famous Cornbread Alley, while supporting vendors who showcase their crafts and wares.
Among the many vendors participating this year was Pathways Studio Harps, owned by Jim and Jeannie Ruthem of Etowah. The couple specializes in crafting handmade harps from several types of wood. Jeannie explained that the sounds produced by each harp vary depending on the materials used, with different woods creating different pitches based on what the client is seeking.
“You listen to what the wood does, and that allows you to make your decision,” explained Ruthem.
Dan and Levana Lary of Stonegate Candle Creations returned once again after first attending the festival in 2019. Guests visiting their booth had the chance to create their own candles using powdered wax in over 20 colors and scents, ranging from lavender and vanilla to blueberry and spiced apple. Dan began crafting candles 27 years ago. What followed was a journey of trial and error until the couple mastered the craft—an art they’ve since shared with the public at festivals across the country, including South Pittsburg.
“It’s fun for me to watch. I enjoy seeing people make the candles. Most people who do craft shops didn’t start in craftsmanship,” noted Dan.
Several nonprofit organizations also attended the festival, including the Peach State Tractor Club from Dalton, Georgia. The group’s motto, as described by Judy Trotter and Linda McCall, is “to preserve the past for the future.” Their goal is to maintain and showcase different types of tractors and farming equipment, helping to keep the legacy of agriculture alive for future generations.
In addition to the cooks behind this year’s Cornbread Alley offerings, many food vendors joined the event to provide a wide variety of dishes and drinks. Gary Morris, owner of Big G’s Food Service, was among them. His business travels to festivals across the country, serving items like grilled chicken wings and crawfish—foods he and his chefs aim to prepare with care and consistency wherever they go.
The crowds of tourists walking through downtown also brought a boost in business for local shops and restaurants. Rick Horton of South Pittsburg Antiques shared how the festival always brings in more customers, many of whom browse the store’s diverse collection of wares.
“It brings a lot of lookers, and we do sell a fair amount during the festival. A few people will also come back later based on what they saw,” noted Horton.
This year’s Cook-Off saw Maureen Hill of Fulshear, Texas take first place with her Namaste Crepes recipe. Julie Beckwith earned second for her Fire Roasted Beef and Bean Tortilla Ball Soup, and Peter Shankles placed third with his Golden Breakfast Cornbread Skillet.
With all vendors and activities combined, this year’s Cornbread Festival marked another successful celebration for the town of South Pittsburg—one that all involved are eager to bring back again next year.
