Celebrity Cook-Off

Vic Grider

South Pittsburg High School's Head Football Coach Vic Grider will have autographed items from the Pirates' 2007 State Championship during the Celebrity Cook-off Sunday, April 27 beginning at 3 p.m. An auction will also be held, with Paula Deen Gift Baskets, sports memorabilia and other items up for bid. Proceeds from the Celebrity Cook-off and Auction benefit the Marion County Children's Fund.

With the goal of providing resources for Marion County’s needy children, the National Cornbread Festival’s Celebrity Cook-off is a source of pride for organizers. Unlike the National Cornbread Cook-off and the 4-H Cook-off, the winner of the Celebrity event is determined by who raises the most money for the Marion County Children’s Fund.

The Celebrity Cook-off begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27 on the competition stage on South Pittsburg’s 2nd Avenue. Assisting in the fund-raising efforts is an auction, beginning at 2 p.m. Brian Smith of WDEF TV 12 will emcee the cookoff & he and Kim Carson of US101 will emcee the auction.

This year’s Celebrity Cook-off participants include defending champion Rhonda Vincent of the Blue Grass band “The Rage,” Superintendent of Marion County Schools Mark Griffith, Kim Carson of US101, South Pittsburg High School Head Football Coach Vic Grider and Deputy Bubba Fife (aka Jeff Watson).

SPHS’ famed Marching Pirate Band and cheerleaders will provide Grider moral support during the cook-off, while also creating an All-American Community atmosphere. Grider will have autographed items from the Pirates’ 2007 Football State Championship team for fans to bid on.

The monies generated from the auction will also be directed to the Marion County Children’s Fund. Items up for auction include: Gift baskets from FoodNetwork star Paula Deen including autographed cookbooks, subscriptions to Cooking with Paula Deen magazine, Taste of the South magazine and aprons. Additionally, A Jack Daniel’s gift basket, sports memorabilia and other items will be auctioned.