In 1985, a grits company broker noted the copious amount of the Southern staple being delivered to St. George, South Carolina. Research revealed that the town’s 2,000 residents just might consume more of the stuff per capita than any place on the globe. Thus, the annual World Grits Festival was born. This April 10-12, it’ll for the 30th year serve up tasty fare and entertainment including arts and crafts, a carnival, a grits-eating competition and—the star-attraction—the Roll in the Quaker Instant Grits Contest.
The latter is held on Saturday for kids and Sunday for adults, with veteran ”mixer” Phillip Ranck preparing the 700 pounds of Quaker instant grits used daily to fill inflatable pools. During 10-second romps, contestants aim to accumulate the largest helpings on their bodies (the record is 52 pounds!), putting on quite a show before the leftover grits are hauled off to the hogs at a nearby farm.
Proceeds from the festivities will provide up to eight area students with college scholarships, proving what we already knew—grits are good for you. Find event details at www.worldgritsfestival.com.
