Watford gearing up for Ribfest
By Amy Robinson
Farmer Staff Writer
Watford City is gearing up for another big event as the Best of the West Ribfest takes over Main Street on Friday, Aug. 7.
Concessions and the Street Fair will start at 10 a.m. and the rib contest will take place at 5 p.m. Main Street will be open for the public to enjoy lunch, live music featuring Medora’s Burning Hills Singers, Lonesome Willy, Jessie Veeder with Outlaw Sippin,’ and many other great talents.
The public will also enjoy the Classic Car Show and a few friendly rounds of Bingo during the day.
“It’s a good time for everyone to relax and get together,” said Robin Greenhagen, organizer for this year’s Antique Car & Truck Show. “There’s a lot of people who have the older classic and muscle cars. There’s a lot more classic cars and muscle cars around the region than people really know about. So whether you’re bringing a car or just coming to the show to look at the cars, it’s just a really nice summer break for everyone to come out and have a good time.”
With 20 to 30 cars present in past shows, Greenhagen is hoping for even more this year.
Ribfest contestants will be competing amongst each other in fun games and contests throughout the day. Ribs will be served from 5 until 9 p.m. The Ribfest Committee is currently taking registrations for Ribfest teams, street vendors, and sponsorships.
“There’s big prizes at stake and slots are filling up fast, so get your registration in,” said Ribfest Committee Chair Jessie Veeder.
A $1,000 prize will be awarded for the team with the best ribs. Second place will receive $500, and there will be a $250 prize for booth showmanship.
“Bringing these big names to an already-popular event is pretty exciting,” says Veeder about working with Bash on the Grass. “We hope people will be able to take in both the street fair and Ribfest and the concert in the evening.”
The Best of the West Ribfest is limited to 20 teams. For anyone interested in registering a team, they need to sign up soon, as space is limited.
Teams, food, and craft vendors, as well as Antique Car & Truck Show participants may register online at www.watfordcityribfest.net.