For the past 19 years, “Erie’s Wild Rib Cook Off and Music Festival” has been the premier “kick-off” event of Erie’s Summer Festival Season. On May 27th - 30th, the landscape of Perry Square and its surroundings will once again transform into a colorful, exciting, and fun-filled community festival.  Eight Professional National Award Winning Rib Cooking Teams will converge in downtown Erie to offer the finest in BBQ cuisine. To compliment the Ribbers and their fall-off-the-bone ribs, a selection of delicious festival foods, arts and crafts, merchandise vendors, and informational booths will be present.  Both regional and local bands will liven up the crowd with country music, rock n’ roll, classic rock, original music and more.

The RIB Kid Zone, an area hosting fun activities for children of all ages, will showcase the new 27ft. high Shark Slide, a gigantic obstacle course, new games and several combos and bounces. This fun area will also include a big red trackless train. Mom, dad and the kids can take a Rib Fest trip with Mr. Brad, the train conductor. For the very best value, scheduled times slots will be offered for a RIDE-A-RIBBA-RAMMA featuring hours of fun-filled entertainment on Wednesday or Thursday from 5:00 PM till 9:00 PM for one $10.00 price. Mom and dad can relax to the music while the little ones have a blast.

The BIG Kid Zone is host to the Mechanical Bull and the Cliff Hanger Slide.  The 27 ft. high slide will be featured for the first time ever at the Rib Fest.  See what all of the excitement is about!  Test your skills on the bull, challenge your courage on the Cliff Hanger slide. Contests are being planned.

Each year a panel of invited guests participate in the Rib Judging Contest for the “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” Contest. The Judging takes place on Friday, May 29 in the VIP tent. A new feature this year is the Guest Judge Contest hosted by Connoisseur Media. Listen to your radio for all of the details. Sign up for a chance to win a position at in the Rib Judging Contest.

Again this year is the People’s Choice booth for all visitors to cast their vote for the professional rib cooking team they deem as the BEST. Be sure to stop by the PEOPLE’S CHOICE tent where you can cast your vote for your favorite Rib Team.

By 7:00PM on Saturday the votes will be counted and the presentation is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30th, at 8:30PM on the main stage.

Lots more being planned check back for additional details.

FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC ….Be a part of the excitement!

On June 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2009, the Lucille Ball Memorial Park will transform into a colorful, exciting, fun filled, community festival. Under the direction of Performance & Event Management.

National Award Winning Professional Rib Cooking Teams will converge in the park located along the shores of Chautauqua Lake proudly offering the finest in BBQ cuisine. As part of the festivities we also orchestrate the much anticipated Rib Tasting Contest. A panel of judges vote by secret ballot to decide which rib team deserves to be granted the honor of winning the “2009-Best Ribs” and “2009-Best Sauce” contest. The winner is awarded a  a trophy to add to their display.  New this year is the “People’s Choice Awards.”  Visitors can cast their vote for their favorite Rib Team. The voting station will be located inside the log cabin on the grounds of the Lucille Ball Memorial Park. After casting your vote, be sure to examine the  History of Celoron on display in the Log Cabin featuring the highlights of Celoron’s past.

The Rib Teams are very serious about the quality of their product. aThey pay close attention to every detail and are extremely competitive. When it comes to their special preparation techniques, secret sauces and cooking methods their lips are sealed. Each team has a special dynamic that captivates the crowd. Signage over 20ft. high and full display tables of their winning trophies boasts of their numerous contest awards. Each element contributes to the festive atmosphere of the event and draws a huge following.

Live entertainment will be complimenting the venue at the newly dedicated band shell.  A dance floor will be located near the music for those with happy feet. Artists and crafters, vendors and informational booths will compliment this event.

Enjoy a cold beer in the Beer Garden hosted by the Lakewood-Celoron Moose and the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association.  Small games of chance, raffles and contests are being planned.

MORE INFORMATION WILL BE INCLUDED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

FREE ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC

Limited spaces are still available.  Call for details: 814.899.5177

We invite you to be a part of the excitement.