Do you think that your ribs are the best? Then put them to the test!
The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their 2nd Annual Pork in the Park RibFest and they are seeking rib cooks. The ribfest will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 outside on the MARC grounds from noon until sold out. Last year’s attendance for this premier event was 1,500.
Pork in the Park is a rib cook-off that will feature area cooks and restaurants competing for the title of Best Rib in the area. Last year the festival featured eight grill masters, but the chamber is looking for a few more contestants and a bigger crowd. Each grill cook/team will be competing for the top three cash awards and a People’s Choice award will also be awarded based on votes by those consuming the ribs.
“We are very excited to bring Pork in the Park back to Merrill,” said Debbe Kinsey, chamber chief executive officer. “Last year’s event saw 1,500 area people come through from Appleton to Crandon and of course motorcyclists here for the Fall Ride.”
Rib cooks must be able to cook up to 50 racks of ribs that will be provided. Registration is $50 and the deadline to enter the contest is July 31. Entrants will receive their ribs on Wednesday and can begin setting up at the MARC at 4 p.m. on Friday.
The ribfest is the most affordable in the area – ribs will be sold for only “one buck a bone.” In addition to the ribs, steak and chicken sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob and ribbon fries will also be available for purchase. There will also be a beverage tent selling beer, soda and water. And live music will be provided by Bobby Evans and the Alimony Band playing from 1-5 p.m.
Pork in the Park t-shirts are now available for sale at the Chamber office for $15 each.
For more information on Pork in the Park contact the Chamber office at 705 N. Center Ave., by telephone at 715-536-9474 or visit their website www.merrillchamber.org.