The ninth annual Great Grits Cook-Off and Festival, which benefits the Prattville YMCA’s “Coach a Child” Scholarship Fund is returning to Prattville on Saturday, October 15 from 9 am – 12 pm. The event includes a day of live music, bounce houses, arts and crafts vendors, the 7th annual Nitty Gritty 5k Race, and a whole lot of grits.
During the Great Grits Cook-Off, businesses, churches, restaurants, and individuals will compete to create the best grits recipe. This cooking competition will be judged on taste, presentation, and originality, with prizes awarded in each category. In addition, a “People’s Choice Award” will be presented to the team that receives the most votes (dollar bills) by attendees.
The Great Grits Cook-Off and Festival is presented by Gipson’s Tires Pros. In business for over 30 years, this local tire and automotive repair shop with locations in Prattville, Millbrook, and Montgomery takes great pride in supporting the community from which it has gained a reputation for providing outstanding customer service.
The Prattville YMCA is a huge part of the Prattville community, and Gipson’s Tire Pros knows the value of giving back to the YMCA.
The Prattville YMCA is a huge part of the Prattville community, and Gipson’s Tire Pros knows the value of giving back to the YMCA. “It’s important for us to give back to the communities that support us. We understand that our local youth are the future of our community, and we thoroughly enjoy supporting them. In addition, we enjoy unique, feel-good opportunities, and the Grits Cookoff is a fun way to do just that,” says Vickie Royal, Prattville resident, and Gipson’s Tire Pros Regional Manager. What started off years ago as what some would call a “strange idea,” the cookoff and festival has become an expectation in the community. “I am always having people ask, “when is the grits cookoff?” says Keith Cantrell, Assistant General Director of the Prattville YMCA.
The cookoff & festival also includes the 7th Annual Nitty Gritty 5K which is sponsored by Promise Physical Therapy for the fourth year. The race will begin at 8:00 AM and features awards for all ages. The completion of the race will coincide with the opening of the grit’s festival.
The first Great Grits Cook-Off and Festival was held on September 21, 2013, and drew an enthusiastic crowd despite inclement weather that pushed the event indoors. While the cookoff experienced great weather for the next several years, the last two were once again filled with rain. However, the rain did not dampen the excitement and confirmed what was already known – people love the cookoff. Our 2021 cookoff was amazing,” said Cantrell. “With all the rain it is hard to believe so many people attended. At one point while it was raining the line to get in was in the parking lot. When we look back to 2013, it is hard to believe how far we have come in such a short period of time. We believe this year’s crowd will be even bigger.”
All of the funds raised at the Great Grits Cook-Off and Festival will benefit the Coach a Child Scholarship Fund, which is a cornerstone of the YMCA in its commitment to never turn a child away due to their inability to pay. That commitment held true even in the tough economic conditions of our country. In 2021, the Prattville YMCA gave close to $190,000 in scholarships to families and children benefiting over 2500 different individuals. The Coach a Child Scholarship Fund allows the YMCA to bless the lives of so many who could not otherwise afford the privilege of participating in Y programs.
Cook teams and vendors are currently being accepted. If you would like to participate in this great event, contact Keith Cantrell at 334-358-9622 or by email at kcantrell@prattvilleymca.org.