Great American Cook-off

On March’s last weekend, the Valdosta Boys and Girls Club held the Great American Cook-off. Eight first responder teams from Lowndes and Brooks battled it out for the title of 2024 Grillmaster. The event was sponsored by Miller Hardware and Traeger Grills. 

Local leaders, volunteers, first responders and the local community came out to see who would win this grilling event. Plates of fresh grilled BBQ could be smelled throughout the entire area with many grabbing a plate from who they thought should win. Even pets were involved (on leashes) with a bit of tasting. 

Outdoor fun and games were set up to enjoy the event as well. Corn hole contests were made by individuals, a bit of laying in the sun, and a lot of smiles and laughter. 

A Facebook post was made to help spread the word about the event saying,

“And…that’s a wrap!!! These are some of our favorite moment’s from this year’s Great American Cook-Off: Battle of the First Responders. We are so thankful to everyone who was a part -our title sponsors: Miller Hardware Company Downtown and Traeger Grills, Marty and the team at Seasons Valdosta for partnering in planning and hosting, each of the competing teams and their sponsors, our incredible volunteers, all of you who came and bout a sausage dog plate (thanks to SL Sausage Company Valdosta and Great Valdosta United Way!!), and so many more. We could not have pulled off this event without you. We were so thankful to see all of your faces this past Saturday and can’t wait to see you again next year!!!” 

Brooks County Fire was sponsored by Citizens National Bank of Quitman, Lowndes County Fire Rescue was sponsored by Waller heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc., Valdosta Police Department was sponsored by Renasant Bank, Valdosta fire Department sponsored by Valdosta Insurance Service, Inc., SGMC Emergency Services was sponsored by Colson Business Systems, Inc., Moody Air Force Base was sponsored by Steel’s Jewelry and Moody AFB Fire Prevention Office was sponsored by Ace Handyman Services. 



The winner for the title of the 2024 Grillmaster went to Lowndes County Fire Rescue who was sponsored by Waller Heating & Air. To take the cake (so to speak) this group also took home first place in Mr. Ben’s Flickin’ Chicken. 

The Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta hosts this event each year and competition from local community and neighboring counties come to test out their grilling skills. If interested to participate or to sponsor please contact the Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta at (229) 242-0676. You can also find them on Facebook.