The 9th Annual Big Mama’s Collard Greens Festival was nothing short of extraordinary — and it’s all thanks to YOU: our sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, cook-off contestants, and attendees who came out in full force to celebrate community, culture, and of course, collard greens!
A Day to Remember
From the moment the sun came up, Newtown came alive with music, food, laughter, and fellowship. The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex overflowed with energy as families strolled through vendor booths, local organizations shared resources, and our stage lit up with performances that reflected the heart and soul of our vibrant community.
We were honored to recognize community champions like Jetson Grimes, April Glasco, the Smith Family, and the City of Sarasota Housing Authority. And special thanks to Studio B for managing the stage and keeping the grooves going all day long!
Congratulations to Our Cook-Off Winners!
The 2025 Big Mama’s Collard Greens Cook-Off was a flavorful showdown, and we’re proud to announce this year’s winners:
1st Place: Toya Jay’s Collard Green Egg Rolls
2nd Place: Mz Judy’s Soul-Full Kitchen
3rd Place: Versatile Cafe
Thank you to all of our cook-off contestants who brought the flavor and creativity — your dishes truly embodied the spirit of Big Mama!
Shout-Out to Our Incredible Sponsors & Partners
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including:
- Platinum Sponsors: Children First, The Ringling, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, Newtown Family Center
- Gold Sponsor: Michaels
- Silver Sponsors: MCR Health, JD Wms Diversity Group
- Bronze Sponsors: Community Harvest SRQ, 1Check Away Check, Coast Democratic Women’s Club of Sarasota County, Fast Signs of Sarasota, Healthy Start Coalition, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee, Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota Police Department, Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
- Green Sponsor: Sarasota Housing Authority
- Individual Sponsor: Rough & Ready Media
- Rhythm & Roots Sponsor: Mildred and Garrett Eelman Charitable Fund & Gulf Coast Community Foundation
- In-Kind Support: ABC7, American Pride Rental, Fast Signs, Tempo News, 96.5 WSLR
- Special Thanks: City of Sarasota, New College of Florida, and our amazing student volunteers from Ringling College of Art & Design
Photos & Highlights
Stay tuned to our Facebook page and partner accounts, including Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and Tempo News, for photos, videos, and highlights from the event. If you took pictures or want to share your experience, don’t forget to tag us @NewtownNation and use the hashtag #BigMamasFestival.
Onward Together
As we look ahead to the 10th anniversary in 2026, we’re more inspired than ever to keep growing this movement of cultural pride, economic opportunity, and community wellness.
With full hearts and full plates — thank you.
— The Newtown Nation Team
