VIPs to judge Best of the West Ribfest
By Jack Dura
Farmer Staff Writer
Watford City’s Ribfest has added something new.
The annual August event is offering $100 VIP tickets for judging rib entries with perks of shaded seating and trinkets of bottled water, mugs and coupons, among other extras.
Jessie Veeder Scofield, Ribfest committee chair, said almost anyone can buy a ticket to judge.
“Of course, you have to be 21 and older,” she said, “but anyone who loves ribs ... anyone who’s new to the community or visiting, anyone who’s lived here a long time, just anyone who loves ribs.”
Judging Ribfest has happened for years, Scofield said, but local interest in acquiring seats on the panel helped bring about this year’s ticket sales.
“It’s always been kind of a secret panel of judges we’ve always hand-picked or chosen from the community,” Scofield said.
A people’s choice award that started a few years ago helped make way for buying in to be a judge, as well as making the people’s choice winner a direct choice by the people.
“There’s no way that people can get around and eat every single rib because we have over 20 teams sometimes,” Scofield said.
Taking judging seriously while having fun doing so is made possible by purchasing a VIP ticket, though seating is limited under the tent that can maybe hold up to 100 people, Scofield added.
VIP ticket holders will judge from 4 to 8 p.m. the day of Ribfest.
Ribfest is Friday, Aug. 12, on Main Street. Food vendors and rib teams line the streets with teams cooking that morning or the night before. Lunch is served around mid-day with ribs open for serving at 5 p.m.
Live music, kids games, bingo, beer sales and other events are set for Ribfest too.
Ribfest’s winner takes home $1,000 sponsored by Barrett Pharmacy, Scofield said, along with a traveling trophy.
Second place and a showmanship award are offered as well in addition to people’s choice.
“It’s going to be really fun,” Scofield said.
Tickets are available at watfordcityribfest.net.