Rib Fest 2012 to have ‘flying pigs’ event

Van Wert independent/CVB information

Flying pigs?  That’s right!  Pigs will fly through Van Wert for this year’s sixth annual Rib Fest, which will be held August 3-4 at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

At approximately 2 p.m. on August 4, little plastic piggies will be dropped from overhead and fly over the festival grounds as part of the first annual fundraiser “When Pigs Fly.”

“We had heard of a similar event in Michigan,” said Larry Lee, executive director of the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, organizers of the Rib Fest. “We approached the United Way of Van Wert County with the idea of becoming involved as a way to offer additional support to the charity. They answered with an enthusiastic ‘yes!’”

Each pig is numbered to a corresponding raffle ticket that the United Way is selling for $10 each. The person holding the number of the piggy that lands closest to the “pig pen” wins $750. The second-place prize is $250 and farthest away prize is $250. The furthest away from the target also wins $150. In case of a tie, the money will be divided equally.

The goal this year is to sell 500 tickets, with 60 percent of the proceeds going directly to the United Way.   Tickets may be obtained from any United Way Board member, the United Way office at 1151 Westwood Drive or by calling that agency at 419.238.6689. Tickets are also available at the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors office at 136 E. Main St.

First Federal Savings and Loan Association sponsors this year’s “When Pigs Fly” event.

The Rib Fest was established six years ago as a fundraiser to benefit the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Tourism is an important part of the local economy,” Lee continued. “Although most people wouldn’t consider Van Wert to be a tourist destination, there are many local events that bring large crowds to the community and every dollar they spend translates into economic gain for the community.”

There will be a lots of great food this year with eight of the area’s best rib cookers including Gibson’s Barnyard BBQ, JT BBQ Express, JAV’s, Manley Meats, Pork Brothers BBQ, Shigs in Pit, Smoke Shack BBQ, and Timmy’s BBQ.

Live musical entertainment will include Bad Advice, Mo Blues and The Dogz on Friday and Boom Swang, Double Kik, and Black Cat Mambo on Saturday.  The Earthquakers from Erie, Pa., will take the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday.

“There are several other activities being planned for this year’s Rib Fest that should attracted a large crowd of event-goers,” Lee said. “We will be releasing more information about those activities as details are finalized.  Watch for more information soon!”

Lee would also like to remind any group wanting to take advantage of the Rib Fest as a location to hold their event should contact him at 419.238.9378.  Special event packages can be arranged for as little as $300 and will include free admission.

Festival hours are from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and noon to midnight on Saturday. A $2 admission will be charged after 5 p.m. on Friday and all day on Saturday.