Work begins on 2012 Van Wert Rib Fest

Van Wert independent/CVB information

The Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau wants area residents to started thinking ahead to a summer filled with exciting things to do close to home here in the Van Wert area. CVB officials are pleased to be able to announce some details about this year’s premier event in the Van Wert area — the sixth annual Van Wert Rib Fest.

This year’s event will once again take place at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds, but will expand to a two-day affair, Friday and Saturday, August 3-4.

“Each year the attendance has grown”, said CVB Executive Director Larry Lee, “and we’ve heard really nothing but compliments about how the event has been organized and the great entertainment we’ve brought to the community.”

He said that several local businesses and individuals have suggested expanding the event to Friday to provide an alternative place for lunch and a way to add some other activities to the weekend.

Lee said the Rib Fest Committee is still working on many details, which will be released as the event gets closer.  He was able to confirm, though, that the cornhole and Wiffleball tournaments are scheduled to take place, as in the past.  A cruise-in on Friday night and a car show on Saturday are also being planned, as is a motorcycle poker run.  There are nine rib vendors interested in participating this year — three of them new to the Van Wert event.

“The CVB is happy to announce this year’s featured band for Saturday night will be the Earthquakers from Erie, Pa.,” Lee said.  “They have been together since 1994 and have developed quite a following across northern Ohio.”  According to their promotional material, they came together to re-invent how much fun people could have if they just left their cares at the door and decided to have the time of their lives.

Lee would also like to remind anyone involved in planning a class reunion this summer that the Rib Fest is a great place to have your reunion.

“We take care of a lot of the work — we will provide a separate tent for each class along with tables, chairs, and a large banner,” he noted. “The cost is based on the size of the class.”

People are interested in finding out more information can call the CVB office at 419.238.9378.

Lee said that volunteers are also needed, as well as local entertainment.

“We are always on the search for volunteers to help with this event,” explained. “We are also looking for any local bands who are interested in performing Friday afternoon, Friday evening or Saturday afternoon.”

Spokesmen for area bands are encouraged to call the CVB office.

Lee stressed that this event could not, and would not, be a reality if it weren’t for the generous support of area sponsors.

“There are several levels of sponsorship available, each with its own special rewards,” he said.

Lee encourages anyone or any business that would like to know more about sponsorship to give him a call or stop in at the CVB office located at 136 E. Main St.

Spring and summer are not too far away to start thinking about all the great things to do.  The Convention and Visitors Bureau will soon be releasing its Spring and Summer Calendar of Events and will begin letting the public know what will be taking place. Organizations that have a spring or summer event in the plans be sure to let the CVB know so they can be included on the schedule for publication.