Every year, families gather in the little town of Oatmeal, Texas for one of the quirkiest, most joyful events around: the Oatmeal Festival! It’s a celebration of community, fun, and of course—oats.

At the heart of it all is Oatie, the festival’s mascot. Oatie is a giant oatmeal container who roams the festival reminding everyone why oats are worth celebrating. Wherever Oatie goes, smiles, cheers, and laughter follow.

But here’s the thing kids need to know… every hero has a rival. And Oatie’s rival has been stirring up mischief at the Oatmeal Festival since 1978.

Meet the Grits Guzzler.

The Legend of the Grits Guzzler

The Grits Guzzler is part prankster, part trickster, and 100% silly. The Guzzler’s mission? To convince festivalgoers to “Eat Grits, not Oats!”

Here’s the twist: the Guzzler isn’t always the same person. Sometimes it’s a him, sometimes it’s a her, but it’s always someone from the Guzzler’s extended “family” taking up the role. That’s why the Guzzler might look a little different from year to year—but you can always count on the same outrageous antics!

Instead of cooked grits, the Guzzler carries around a pot of raw grits or packets of instant grits. Don’t worry, they won’t make a mess—they just like to shake them dramatically in front of unsuspecting festivalgoers while chanting their silly slogan.

Where You Might See the Guzzler

Part of the fun is spotting where the Guzzler might appear. Keep your eyes peeled, because this sneaky character could pop up anywhere during the festival!

  • Run for Your Oats (3.3 miles) – While runners celebrate finishing the race, the Guzzler may show up on the sidelines, trying to tempt them with grits instead of oats.
  • Festival Vendor Booths – As families browse crafts, snacks, and goodies, the Guzzler sneaks around offering packets of instant grits.
  • The Pet Parade – Even the pups and kittens get a visit from the Guzzler, though we all know pets prefer oats (especially in treats).
  • The Grande Parade – This is where the big showdown happens, and you won’t want to miss it!

The Big Arrest

Police Chief playfully “arrests” the Grits Guzzler during the Oatmeal Festival Grande Parade in Bertram, Texas.

The Oatmeal Festival parade is a highlight every year. Floats roll by, kids wave from decorated cars, and Oatie makes sure oats get their moment in the spotlight. But somewhere in the crowd, the Grits Guzzler lurks.

Suddenly, the Guzzler makes a move—trying to step into the parade with a pot of grits. But the festival has a protector: the Police Chief, who’s part of the parade too!

With a whistle and a cheer from the crowd, the Chief “arrests” the Guzzler in a playful skit. The parade pauses, the audience roars with laughter, and Oatie triumphs again. The Guzzler always promises, “I’ll be back next year!” And sure enough—they always are.

Kid-Friendly Safety Tips for Spotting the Guzzler

Think of spotting the Grits Guzzler like a festival scavenger hunt! Here’s how to play along:

  1. Look for the Grits – If you see someone holding a pot of dry grits or waving a packet of instant grits, you’ve found the Guzzler!
  2. Listen for the Slogan – If you hear “Eat Grits, not Oats!” shouted from the crowd, the Guzzler is nearby.
  3. Don’t Accept Grits from Strangers – The Guzzler loves to hand out grits, but remember—it’s just part of the game. Stick with your oats!
  4. Cheer for Oatie – Whenever you see Oatie, give a big wave or shout. Oatie represents oats, Oatmeal, Texas, and the heart of the festival.

Why the Guzzler Matters

The Oatmeal Festival isn’t just about food—it’s about fun, friendship, and tradition. The friendly rivalry between Oatie and the Grits Guzzler makes the festival even more unique. For newcomers, it may look like mischief, but it’s really a tradition that’s been making families laugh since 1978.

So when you come to the festival, don’t be surprised if you’re offered a handful of raw grits. Just smile, play along, and remember: Oatie always wins in the end.

Plan Your Festival Fun

The Oatmeal Festival has something for everyone—whether you’re running in the 3.3-mile Run for Your Oats, cheering on the Pet Parade, shopping at the vendor booths, or clapping along at the Grande Parade.

Check out the full schedule here: 2025 Oatmeal Festival Schedule

And remember: the oats are strong, the grits are sneaky, and the Grits Guzzler is always lurking. Will you be the one to spot them this year?

Oatie the oatmeal container mascot greets families at the Oatmeal Festival in Bertram, Texas.

🧳 Visiting from Out of Town?

If you’re traveling in for the Oatmeal Festival, you’re in for a treat. The charming town of Bertram sits in the heart of the Highland Lakes of Burnet County, a region filled with scenic views, wineries, hiking trails, and small-town hospitality.

Find more information on places to stay, dining, and things to do at Highland Lakes of Burnet County Why not make a weekend out of it? Spend Saturday at the festival, then explore the natural beauty and local attractions nearby.

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