Mary Rachel Nalley Norris, Will Bruce, and Kody Norris at their Backyard Breakdown pie eating contest
Every year The Kody Norris Show hosts what they call their Backyard Breakdown at the home of Kody and Mary Rachel Norris. It’s essentially a fan appreciation day where everyone is invited to enjoy some good bluegrass and even better times with the band and their friends.
It’s literally in their back yard, hence the name, and this year’s event took place on July 11. In addition to The Kody Norris Show, Carson Peters was on hand to perform.
The band also celebrated the day as an album release party for their Spirit of America project, recently available on Rebel Records.
Mary Rachel shared a video from the 2026 Backyard Breakdown, and their very first official pie eating contest, along with this description.
“Every year we have given out Anna Mary’s Fried Pies from Ohio as part of the catered dinner. This year, to celebrate the release of Spirit of America, we decided to have a pie eating contest. The participants were selected by their name going into a jar with a random selection from there.
Charlie Lowman, Will Bruce (our personal trainer), Adelle Plemmons, Carson Peters, and Kenny Fields were drawn. Each contestant had to eat as many pies as possible in a one minute period. Starting with Apple, Cherry, Blackberry, and Peach.
Will finished with two and half pies eaten in the time frame. Carson finished second!
Next year’s date is July 24 and bands will be announced soon!”
Hoo-weee…. that looks like fun!
