For the sixth annual event, Pork in the Park Ribfest made a move from the MARC to the Merrill Festival Grounds. The ribfest served over 3,000 people with fewer leftover ribs that last year, noted Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbe Kinsey.
“It was an awesome event and it was very well attended,” Kinsey said. “I think we did better than last year based on the number of ribs not left over.”
The move to the Festival Grounds brought some cost savings as Pork in the Park was held under the grandstand, which offers shelter, seating, electricity and nearby restrooms.
Pork in the Park was held in conjunction with a craft fair, and a gun show was being held Saturday at the Expo Center, which increased traffic at the Festival Grounds.
This year’s event featured six rib cooks, offering a variety of recipes. The judges awarded first place to Lone Star of Neillsville, while Kurt-N-Jo’s of Marathon took second and Lammar’s BBQ of Wausau took third. The People’s Choice award went to Geiss Meat Service of Merrill.
Pork in the Park will return on the same weekend last year. Money raised through the event is used by the Chamber of Commerce for community programs.