GRIFTON — The pots were bubbling and the competition was on at the Grifton Depot recently as 11 contestants put their fish stewing skills to the test for bragging rights, prizes and to support the town’s Shad Festival.
The George Sugg Memorial Fish Stew Cook-Off drew a crowd of stew makers and stew eaters to the depot on Feb. 17 in the festival’s last big fundraiser before the 52nd annual Shad celebration April 16-20.
“We had a good turnout,’ festival committee Vice President Tyra Harris Sparrow said. “We appreciate everybody who came out and supported the Grifton Shad Festival in the community today, and we really appreciate our sponsors, Grifton’s Hwy 55 and Food Pride and Agri Supply of Greenville.”
All fish stews were cooked on site and entrants were given six pounds of fresh fish. Each competitor was able to set up as early as 11 a.m., supplying their utensils and ingredients, and the stews had to be ready by 3 p.m. for tasting and judging.
Community members and visitors paid $10 apiece to sample all the stews, cast their votes for people’s choice award and take a pint of their favorite batch. Local broadcaster and mayor of Farmville John Moore was the emcee for the event; N.C. Rep. Tim Reeder, Giftonite Leo Ricks and Pitt County Schools teacher Erin Kessel were judges.
The Fish Stew Vendor Market was coordinated by Amy Hanh from noon to 4 p.m. with about 12 vendors, and there was a Cruise-In Car Show at 1 p.m. featuring the Backyard Bandits Car Club of Ayden and the Kinston Classic Car Club.
Hahn said that the No. 1 reason she participates in the Shad events is the people. “It is a great way to connect to network with people, and just spread the information about homesteading and what’s natural out there.”
Miss Grifton Pageant coordinator Samantha Nichols brought out a few of this year’s pageant contestants to serve stew to the judges and promote their spaghetti luncheon at the Grifton Train Depot at 12:30 p.m. on March 9.
Grifton town commissioner Jessie Daigneault said that This fundraiser will help support the Miss Grifton Shad Festival pageant, plates are $10 each and include spaghetti, salad and bread.
“Our contestants this year will love the opportunity to meet you all and serve you,” said Daigneault. “We will have drinks and baked goods that will be sold separately, and dining-in and to-go options will be available until we run out.
When judging was announced, contestant Chelsea Harris won the people’s choice, Sharon Marshburn came in third place, second place went to the Grifton Lions Club, and first place overall went to Richard Crumbacher of Kinston.
“I enjoy cooking, so I came out to meet new people, and I did not expect to place,” said Crumbacker. “This is just overwhelming to have won with what I consider a basic fish stew that my grandfather taught me how to make with potatoes, onions, crushed red pepper, and a little bit of tomato paste for red color.”
Sparrow said that they gave out a total of $300 in prizes among the winners and that Food Pride owner Mr. Buddy Huggins won $250 from the 50/50 raffle.
Shad Festival committee President Randall Hart said that it takes a lot of work and dedication to pull off the festival and associated fundraisers. An amazing team of volunteers makes the difference he said.
“I mean they’re great, they work well together, and they’re second to none,” said Hart. “If they were a professional football team, they’d win the Super Bowl.”
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