By Shaun McInnish, Sr., City Beat Writer, Pelahatchie News
Downtown Pelahatchie came alive Saturday, September 13 as residents and visitors gathered on the town square for the 2025 Pelahatchie Muscadine Jubilee, a daylong celebration of food, music, and all things muscadine. Among the day’s highlights, nothing drew more cheers than the famous Muscadine Stomp—the messy, grape-squishing showdown that has become the signature event of the festival. Contestants rolled up their pants, stepped into giant barrels of muscadines, and stomped with all their might as the crowd clapped and hollered.
This year’s stomp featured a lively mix of community leaders and familiar faces: Pelahatchie City Clerk Heather Pennypacker; Allayna Jolley from the Rankin County Circuit Clerk’s office; Brandon Walker of WLBT; Shane Sanders, Superintendent of the Rankin County School District; Bro. Scott Walters of All Things New (Rev. 21:5); and Yusef from the Pelahatchie Maintenance Department. The friendly competition was emceed by Tom Miles, former Mississippi state representative and now Scott County Chancery Clerk, whose playful commentary kept the crowd laughing between rounds.
When the stomping was done, Brandon Walker of WLBT emerged as the 2025 Muscadine Stomp champion, edging out the field with a combination of speed, style, and sheer determination. Walker’s energetic performance brought the crowd to its feet.
“I thought it was a great experience,” Walker said afterward. “Being a part of this festival was a great experience. I have always been a big advocate for the local community, and I was honored to be allowed to participate—and even more honored to be picked as the winner of the 2025 Muscadine Jubilee Stomp.”
The Muscadine Stomp is more than just a spectacle; it’s a nod to the traditional method of grape crushing and a playful salute to the region’s love of the muscadine grape. Families crowded close to watch contestants churn the fruit into juice, and children squealed as the grape juice splashed from the barrels.
The Stomp isn’t just a contest—it’s a celebration of Pelahatchie’s spirit, bringing neighbors, families, and visitors together for laughter, friendly competition, and a shared love of the town and maybe the muscadine grape. As the barrels emptied and the cheers faded, the 2025 Muscadine Stomp reminded everyone why the Jubilee is a beloved tradition, leaving memories—and a little grape juice—lingering long after the day ended. And we’re already looking forward to seeing Brandon Walker back next year to defend his crown—hopefully he keeps practicing his stomping skills between now and then!
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