Turkey & GRITS 2026
Georgia Rockets In The Sky… Or Girls Raised In the South. Your Choice!
Southern Area Rocketry (NAR Section 571) invites you to Turkey & GRITS 2026!
FACTS AT A GLANCE:
Where is Turkey & Grits 2026:
346 Lee Wilson Road, Nashville, GA 31639 (near Tifton, GA)
Latitude/Longitude 31°16'38.3"N 83°21'09.1"W
Valdosta VOR/DME (OTK) 355° Radial, 30 NM.
When is Where is Turkey & Grits 2026:
November 21 & 22, 2026 (that’s the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving)
Flight Times:
Flights on Saturday 11/21 begin at 9AM and end at 5PM.
Flights on Sunday 11/22 begin at 9AM and end at 4PM to give us time to take down before dark.
There will be a night launch on Saturday night commencing at twilight and continuing until all night flyers have flown. The night flight will not be waivered so rockets flown must be Class 1 and lighted according to FAR. NAR guidelines do not allow high power flight after dark (remember, that includes Sparkies and motors with thrust more than 80 N)
What are the Rules:
Turkey & GRITS is sponsored by SoAR, NAR Section 571, under NAR rules. Tripoli (TRA) high-power certifications will be honored, but Tripoli members must fly under NAR rules (i.e. no research motors). Please contact your certifying organization with any insurance questions.
For a code of conduct on the field, see Recommendations Here.
There will be a top-secret activity immediately after the night launch on Saturday night. Please plan to stay to enjoy that event. WE CANNOT ADVERTISE THIS EVENT, but it will follow after the end of night flying activities.
MORE FACTS AT A GLANCE…
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A 17,999 foot MSL altitude waiver but we’re restricting flights to 15,000 feet.
A square mile of cleared recovery area (nothing but dirt and cotton stubble) 4 square miles including forests
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Motors must be a NAR certified, commercially manufactured rocket propulsion device as specified by the NAR Safety Code. The field is open to O motors. However, Registrants intending to launch motors of N and O impulse must contact the event director the Contact SoAR Form before 10/07/2026 (45 days ahead of the launch) to discuss logistics.
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There will be a variety of pad sizes, with rods and rails. These will range from low power pads with 1/8″ and 3/16″ rods, mid-power pads with 1/4″ and 3/8″ rods and 1010 rails, up to large high power pads with ½” rods. 1515 rail and Unistrut will be at the away cells. If you need something special, please plan on bringing it and contact us well ahead of time at comments@soarrocketry.org so that we can do our best to accommodate.
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This rocket qualities as a BFR (a Big Freakin Rocket) at GRITS 2026. You MUST contact the Event Director through our Contact SoAR Form (About > Contact SoAR) before 10/07/2026 (45 days ahead of the launch) to discuss logistics.
In most cases, logistics simply means ensuring we have sufficient launch equipment for your project.
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We will host a Saturday Night Launch beginning at dusk (~6 PM). Class 1 Rockets Only. The rocket lights must be visible during all phases of flight (even on the pad). The NAR does not allow high power flights after dark.
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Not on site. See the accommodations section for the nearest camping.
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Absolutely. Youth 0-14 fly free. 15+ must pay the flying fee. All flyers must register through the website regardless of age. Spectator/non-flyers are welcome to come and watch for free.
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All fliers are expected to pay it forward by volunteering for one two-hour shift.
If you volunteer for even one shift, you will receive a free 2026 GRITS commemorative T-Shirt and a yellow vest to wear during the launch.
ONE LAST BIT OF FACTS AT A GLANCE…
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You need to be considerate of your pet. Each animal is different. Please don’t expose your dog/cat/alligator to something that will terrify them. If your dog/cat/alligator is not frightened by loud noises, bring um! If you don’t know how they will react, don’t use Turkey & GRITS to figure it out.
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Volunteer for Range Duty while registering for Turkey & GRITS.
Purchase recovery services from the Civil Air Patrol (yes, let the Cadets do the work of recovery for you). The service cost is being negotiated at this time.
Slow down and take time to make the kids at the event welcome. Take one (and their parents) under your wing and show them how to enjoy the event.
Be safe and have fun.
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Please use the Contact Us form to request Vendor space at Turkey & GRITS.
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Fresh-cooked food for sale
Porta-potties with hand-washing stations for your convenience
Raffle prizes
Silent Auction (for items that are age/certification restricted)