With the Labor Day holiday on Monday, the summer season is officially coming to a close.
Family reunions have come and gone, and summer vacations are over.
However, that doesn’t mean people can’t still enjoy a good barbecue and some music.
Over the last 13 years Rib America has become recognized in cities across the country as one of the best ways to bid farewell to the relaxation of summer.
Rib America is a family event that tours the nation and features award-winning food as live entertainment. This year’s Rib America festival will be held from Friday, Aug. 29 to Monday Sept. 1 at Military Park, 801 W. Washington St.
“We’re definitely excited about bringing Rib America back to the city of Indianapolis,” said Andy Wilson, director of communications for Live 360, which takes Rib America to over 20 cities each year. “We are happy to offer all types of different barbecue items from over 10 of the best cooks in the nation.”
Barbecue vendors from across the country will be offering ribs made with some of their signature sauces and recipes. Some of the most popular vendors at Rib America throughout the years have included Mojo’s Barbecue of Florida, Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ of Ohio, and Willingham’s World Champion Bar-B-Que of Tennessee.
Contrary to popular belief, those who participate in Rib America will have more than ribs to enjoy. They will also have the opportunity to savor other entrees and desserts such as pork/chicken sandwiches, pizza, corn dogs and bratwursts, onion blossoms, sundaes, and of course, summer favorites such as funnel cakes and deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies.
Another popular staple of Rib America over time has been the diverse set of live music acts that perform on different stages during each day of the event.
Notable past music artists have ranged from blues legend Buddy Guy and funk/soul group K.C. & The Sunshine Band, to country music icon Charlie Daniels and rock favorite Pat Benatar.
This year’s headliners include Peter Frampton, guitarist Ted Nugent, pop/rock band Hootie and the Blowfish, musical satirist Weird Al Yankovic, and The Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band.
“Our set list is largely based on artist availability, and we try to bring in artists who we think will be fun for everyone,” Wilson said.
In a recent interview, Darius Rucker, the African-American lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, said he is always excited to participate in Rib America. His group has been a headliner for the event in Indianapolis since 2005.
“You go to the Rib Fest and it’s just all about barbecue,” Rucker said. “We get there pretty early, and you just sit around all day sampling as much barbecue as you can get. We played the last three years and there were tens of thousands of people there. Even when you play a stadium, you don’t get that kind of crowd.”
Wilson also noted that Rib America organizers and vendors have been conscious of the tough economic times being faced by many families. The vendors, therefore have agreed for the first time to offer discounts and “meal deals” for various items to make participation in the festival an affordable option for fun.
“This is our way of showing that we recognize the high prices that many people have had to deal with at the gas pump and the store,” Wilson said. “We want nothing to keep them from being able to come out and join is this year.”
Rib America:
Where: Military Park, 801 W. Washington St.
When: Labor Day Weekend (Friday, Aug. 29 to Monday, Sept. 1). Hours include Friday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Monday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Free before 5 p.m. on Friday and before 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. $5 for general admission after 5 p.m. on Friday and after 1 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Children 12 and under are free all the time. Lawn chairs are welcome.
Reserved seats can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (317) 239-5151. For more information log on to www.ribamerica.com.
