2013 Rib Fest one of the most successful

VW Area CVB news

The seventh annual Van Wert Rib Fest is now history, but, according to Van Wert Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Larry Lee, it is one that will be remembered as one of the most successful editions since the event began.

“Despite the Friday evening deluge, which has become a tradition for the rib fest weekend, attendance was high — especially on Saturday evening — and everyone seemed to have a great time,” Lee said.  “We had many people stop by the Rib Fest who were in town for the Highway 127 (Yard) Sale, heard about our event and decided to check us out.  We also had four class reunions and a business picnic on Saturday that really helped out attendance figures.”

Six bands were scheduled to perform, but only one of three bands scheduled for Friday, Mo Blues, was able to take the stage that evening. The other bands scheduled on Friday were Bad Advice and Boom Swang.

“The people who did come out Friday were patient and waiting for the other bands to appear, but the weather just didn’t cooperate,” Lee said, adding, “The crowd was huge on Saturday for The Earthquakers, Section Ate and Double Kik.”

Those attending were able to sample ribs from five vendors, and, in the end, all five were awarded a trophy.  People’s Choice winners were Manley Meats (first place), Pork Brothers (second place) and Low and Slow (third place). Judges’ awards for sauce went to Smoke Shack BBQ, Manley Meats and Gibson’s Barnyard BBQ and their awards for ribs were presented to Manley Meats,  Smoke Shack BBQ and Pork Brothers.

This year’s judges were Wayne Trace football coach Bill Speller, Van Wert football coach Keith Recker, Crestview football assistant coach James Lautzenheiser, Mark Kunz of Channel 44 sports; Claude Cliborne of Century Link and Al Saylor of Citizens National Bank.

“We really tried to get a variety of vendors for this year’s event,” Lee said. “In addition to our six rib vendors we also had Annie’s Concessions, A Little Slice of Heaven, Sycamore Ice Cream and CJ’s Shaved Ice.

“We even branched out into non-food vendors and had representatives from Grill Gear demonstrating new pellet grills; Saucy Sows who do spices, rubs, and sauces; and Sportsflipper, who offered grilling utensils with a sports theme.”

With an event of this size, volunteers are what makes it either successful or a failure, and Lee said he has been very fortunate to have had the help of a great crew of volunteers.

“My organizing committee stepped up this year and took charge of many things,” Lee noted. “I’d like to recognize these individuals for the hours of work they contributed to the Rib Fest.”

Committee members were Martha Balyeat, Stuart Jewett, Brent Kohn, Kristin Lichtensteiger, Thad Lichtensteiger, Jordan Miller, Dave Roach, Deb Russell, Al Saylor and Danni Chiles.

The committee also recognizes the importance of all of the sponsors of this event, as their financial support is necessary for the continuation of the rib fest.

This year’s sponsors included Century Link, Citizens National Bank, First Federal Van Wert, First Financial Bank, First Bank of Berne, Fricker’s, Cooper Farms, K & L Ready Mix, Iberdrola Renewables, Anheuser-Busch, Van Wert Propane, Scott Equity Exchange, Stahl Stoller Meyer Insurance Center, Purmort Brothers Insurance, Leland Smith Insurance, Eaton Corporation, Elgin Service Center, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 3 Rivers Credit Union, Van Wert Manor, Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service, Young’s Waste Service, Ayers Mechanical Group, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Thatcher Insurance, Bebout & Houg Roofing & Siding, Store & Haul, Wallace Plumbing, Steve Wood Trucking, Be Scene Multimedia, Lima Communications Corporation, YMCA of Van Wert County, Kennedy-Kuhn, Childers Media Group, Qcom Television Advertising and WERT/WKSD and The Van Wert independent.

The Rib Fest Committee would also like to thank the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, which supplied workers for the soft drink and water concessions, and the volunteers who handled the gate responsibilities.

“We also want to recognize the help of the Van Wert County Fair Board, the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, and the Van Wert Fire Department,” Lee said, adding, “We absolutely want the community to know how much we appreciate their support of the Rib Fest.”

Next year’s event will take place August 1-2, and Lee said he is hoping to top this year.

“I’d remind those planning class reunions in 2014 that the Rib Fest has a special package available for reunions,” Lee noted.

Those wanting more information can contact Lee at the CVB office at 419.238.9378.