The Magnolia Blossom Festival™ and World Championship Cook-Off™ began as the Sidewalk Art Show in 1950, then blossomed in to the festival that it is today. The art show quickly began gaining traction and launched the Magnolia Blossom Festival in 1989, and the World Championship Steak Cook-off the subsequent year. Since, the festival has become one of the most anticipated events for families and grillers from around the country.