2008 SPECIAL EVENTS

Best Ribs in Kalamazoo      Thursday, August 7 ~ 7 p.m.
It’s now an annual tradition -- local restaurants and caterers compete for the designation of the Best Ribs in Kalamazoo. The entry is free, and the national rib vendors serve as the judges. It’s a fun event and helps promote great ribs in Kalamazoo. In 2005 there were 17 entries from local restaurants. And, the top two winners (there was a tie) are invited to host a rib vendor booth on site the following year.

Sponsor’s Choice      Friday, August 8 ~ 7 p.m.
The top three sponsorship categories provides the opportunity for sponsor representatives to participate as a judge in the Sponsor’s Choice. This illustrious panel of judges sample, in a blind test, sample the best of the national rib vendors to present the award of Sponsor’s Choice. The vendors serve up their best ribs to win this coveted prize. Children’s Event Tent Saturday, August 4 11 –1 p.m. Saturday promises to be a special day for families. The sponsor of this event helps to pay for the tent, children’s activities, t-shirt painting. Other family activities include: a magic show, t-shirt painting, Dinobounce, and face-painting.

Battle of the Bands      Saturday, August 9 ~ 1-5 p.m.
A traditional battle of the bands where bands sign up to complete with a panel of judges. Pre-registration is required and each band will play a 20 minute set. First place winner receives $200 and the second place winner receives $100. New this year, entertainment between band set-up will feature groups that include developmentally disabled entertainers. These groups will provide entertainment including, but not limited to: steel drums, improve theatre, singing groups, and will more than likely feature local groups.

Ribs Cooking Demonstration      Saturday, August 9 ~ 2 p.m.
Come, learn from the professionals. Although they won’t give out all their secrets, several national vendors will take the “stage” and share some of their techniques in cooking with ribs. In 2005 national rib vendors invited class attendees to visit their “kitchens” and illustrated the true art of event site cooking.

Best Sauce Cook-off      Saturday, August 9 ~ 4 p.m.
It’s an annual tradition -- teams or individuals who want to be recognized for their sauce participate in a competitive, and yet thoroughly enjoyable, Best Sauce Cook-off. A panel of celebrity judges taste the ribs in a blind cook-off. The entry fee is $20.00 with all proceeds supporting Community Advocates.

People’s Choice Award      All three days – awarded Saturday evening
This isn’t an event, but it certainly has a presence on site. The sponsoring company’s name would be included on all voting cards signage and voting box. Individuals complete the forms at the voting booth. Sponsoring company is encouraged to have their employee(s) help promote the award by making announcements at the stage.