Community, Competition, and Legacy Shine at Second Annual Phyllis Prater Memorial Steak Cookoff
MORRISON, Tenn. — Great food, family fun, fierce competition, and a powerful mission came together Saturday as the Second Annual Phyllis Prater Memorial Steak Cookoff brought hundreds of people together for one of the region’s most meaningful fundraising events.
The day began at 9:30 a.m. and continued until approximately 7:30 p.m., as competitors, families, volunteers, and supporters gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman whose impact continues to be felt throughout Warren and Coffee counties.
More than just a cookoff, the event serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the Phyllis Prater Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides educational opportunities for students in both Warren and Coffee counties. Organizers shared that nearly $24,000 in scholarship money was awarded this past year alone, helping local students pursue their dreams and continue their education.
Competitors traveled from across Tennessee and beyond, with some making the journey from as far away as Arizona to compete. Throughout the day, teams battled for top honors in categories including steak, ribs, wings, desserts, and more, showcasing some of the best barbecue and grilling talent around.
The event offered far more than cooking competitions. Families enjoyed a full day of activities including snow cones, hair braiding, bounce houses, shopping with local vendors, and event T-shirts. Children laughed and played while visitors explored the cook sites and learned more about the competition.
For the lucky few who spent time visiting with the competitors, there was an added bonus. After judging was complete, some cooks shared leftover entries with attendees, giving them the opportunity to sample award-worthy ribs, wings, desserts, and steaks.
One of the most exciting additions to this year’s event was the inaugural Kids Hot Dog Cooking Contest.
The contest gave young aspiring grill masters a chance to step into the spotlight and show off their cooking skills. Several young competitors participated and impressed judges and spectators alike with their enthusiasm and creativity.
The Kids Hot Dog Contest winners were:
1st Place – Rylee Pardum
2nd Place – Ellis Prater
3rd Place – Millie George
4th Place – Cora Bletzacker
5th Place – Willow Deason
6th Place – Owen Prater
The competition quickly became one of the crowd favorites of the day and demonstrated that the future of outdoor cooking and competition barbecue is bright.
Other featured winners from Saturday’s competition included:
Steak A Division
1st Place – Sandy Brown
2nd Place – Tim Brown
3rd Place – Ryan Purdom
Steak B Division
1st Place – Heath Bletzacker
2nd Place – Pete Myers
3rd Place – Ronald Burns
Ribs Division
1st Place – Nick Copeland
2nd Place – Steve Noble
3rd Place – Justin Wink
Dessert Division
1st Place – Peggy Myers
2nd Place – Tina Hughes
3rd Place – Carol Bruner
Chicken Wing Division
1st Place – Catherine Noble
2nd Place – Gail Asby
3rd Place – Dylan George
While the trophies and prize money were certainly celebrated, the true purpose of the event was never forgotten.
Anyone who knew Phyllis Prater remembers her as someone who genuinely cared about others. She was known for her kindness, generosity, encouragement, and her ability to make people feel valued. Whether she was supporting community projects, helping a friend in need, or encouraging young people to pursue their goals, she always wanted the best for everyone around her.
That spirit was evident throughout the day.
From scholarship recipients whose futures are being shaped through educational opportunities, to the young competitors participating in the new Kids Hot Dog Contest, the event continues to invest in the next generation—something many believe Phyllis would have loved to see.
For Warren and Coffee counties, Phyllis Prater’s impact did not end with her passing. Through the scholarship fund that bears her name and through events like the Memorial Steak Cookoff, her story continues to inspire people she never even had the opportunity to meet.
The Second Annual Phyllis Prater Memorial Steak Cookoff was more than a competition. It was a celebration of community, generosity, friendship, and service. It was a reminder that one person’s kindness can continue to make a difference long after they are gone.
And if Saturday proved anything, it is that Phyllis Prater’s legacy is alive and well. Through scholarships, community support, and the countless lives she touched, her influence will continue for generations to come.
