Cornbread Festival
One of the true pleasures of the RV lifestyle is taking the time to appreciate the unique culture and charm of whatever particular slice of America where you happen to be. No matter where you go, you will find a sense of hometown dignity, a distinctive aura of back-straight, bright-eyed pride of place. Sometimes this feeling is hiding just under the surface, waiting to be lavished on visitors who do not yet understand the thrill and delight inherent in the particular produce the locals love to celebrate. But, once a year, this veneer slips away and the residents treat themselves – and anyone fortunate enough to be in town at the time – to a rollicking celebration of whatever growing thing personifies historic or commercial identity in their community.

In an occasional series, I will be exploring these places, revealing their unique wonders and sharing with you the best reasons to visit and favorite places to park your RV.

PROUD TO BE CORNY

We would have missed it. That’s the nature of these things. They flare up for a week or a weekend and then disappear until next year. Fortunately for us, the Evans family was in our Ruby Falls tour group. Tony Evans was patiently listening to his kids chatter about cornbread. These kids were REALLY excited about cornbread. So, of course, I asked. Tony explained that the kids were talking about “the place to be on the last weekend of April in Tennessee.”

Back at camp I searched the website he provided. As it turned out, Tony’s description was not just his opinion; it was the official position of the festival promoters – conveyed in song, no less:

“Crafts, cloggers, cookoffs and a carnival. It’s almost more than you can see. The last weekend in April it’s the place that you should be. It’s the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.”

Friends, this shindig is a big deal in the Volunteer State. The annual festival, founded on the celebrated southern side dish, draws thousands from Tennessee and surrounding states each year (www.nationalcornbread.com). Festivalgoers I met hailed from Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Add me and mine, and Florida joined the caravan of license plates heading to the “place that you should be.”

WHAT TO DO

Okay, first, when they say (well, sing) “It’s almost more than you can see…” They ain’t kiddin’. Virtually the entire downtown area serves as a sprawling festival ground.

Carnival Fun!

  • The carnival thrill rides may threaten to recycle lunch, but they are well worth the risk!
  • Those who are more comfortable with their feet on the ground may browse the arts and crafts selections and the classic cars at the Dixie Freeze cruise in.
  • The entertainment itinerary mixes the pride of South Pittsburg with other regional and national acts.
  • Selections from cookoffs, tasting tents and the signature Cornbread Alley deliciously stretch the bounds of culinary imagination.
  • The jam tent is a favorite draw. Toe tapping, hand clapping bluegrass played by local folks sharing the down home music that defines this region.
  • Local girls of all ages compete in beauty pageants.
  • And runners burn off all that southern comfort food in the Festival 5K.
  • Because festival organizers did not wish for folks to “fret about missing church,” an “uplifting and ecumenical” song and worship service takes center stage on Sunday morning.
  • Afterward, guests grab plates of syrupy perfection at the pancake breakfast.

RV MUST SEE

Of particular interest to both me and other RVers heading to the festival was meeting the “Sisters on the Fly.” These ladies caravan to adventures all over the country towing vintage travel trailers. The RVs come in every shape, size and color of the rainbow. And the ladies who make up their “Cowgirl Caravan” are every bit as vibrant.

This year, Johnny Nix, former host of the PBS show Campfire Café, was on hand to demonstrate his campfire cooking techniques and offer tips to help you turn your rustic dinner routine into campfire cuisine.

WHERE TO STAY

Hales Bar Marina & Resort (www.halesbarmarina.com)

This unique, multipurpose resort stretches out along the shores of Nickajack Lake. Many waterfront sites and

Relax on the Tennessee River
all campsites are within walking distance of both the lake and the Tennessee River. With all this water you might be tempted to rent a boat. Can do. On site! Check in at the ship’s store and grab a bite at the floating restaurant and tavern.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • Large concrete pads can host big rigs up to 50 feet
  • Shower and laundry facilities
  • Swimming pool & mini golf
  • Family friendly

Located at 1265 Hales Bar Rd. Guild, Tennessee, 37340. GPS: 35.045523, -85.533059. Call 423.942.9000 for reservations or more information.

Raccoon Mountain (www.raccoonmountain.com)

Voted Tennessee Campground of the year for 2008-2009, this park offers a quiet, out of the way vibe. Hike along a mountain stream, race go-carts and spelunk through caverns without ever leaving the campground. Sites and roadways are gravel. The bathhouse shows some age, but the park was in good repair. WiFi was very solid. Campground manager was helpful and clued us in to some not-to-be-missed local side trips.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi & Cable TV
  • Pull thru sites and big rig access
  • Pool access & Shade trees
  • Family & pet friendly

Located at 319 West Hills Drive
Chattanooga, TN 37419. GPS: 35.023502, -85.40844. Call 423.821.9403 for more information.

TELL ME ABOUT IT

As I mentioned at the top, this is the first in a series. I already have plans to visit strawberries, kumquats, apples, cherries, lobsters and pecans. Do you have a favorite local festival to recommend? Leave a comment and let me know. I would love to check it out!