Community Advocates Ribfest 2010

SPECIAL EVENTS

Best Ribs in Kalamazoo      Thursday, August 5 ~ 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.

Sponsor’s Choice      Friday, August 6 ~ 7 p.m.
Sponsors select an employee to participate as a judge in the Sponsor’s Choice. This illustrious panel of judges sample, in a blind test, the award winning ribs of our 8 participating rib vendors.  Sponsors categories include Park Level and above.

Ribs Cooking Demonstration           Friday, August 6 at 2 p.m.
Come and 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.

Children’s Event Tent     Saturday, August 7 ~ 11 a.m. to 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 clown, a magic show,  Dinobounce and face painting by professional artists.

The Rib Star Talent Search       Saturday, August 7 ~ 2-5 p.m.
A traditional battle of the bands where bands sign up to compete in front of a panel of judges.   A “prize purse” is provided for first and second place winners.

Kalamazoo Amateur Cook-off       Saturday, August 7 ~ 2 p.m.
It’s new.  Teams or individuals who want to be recognized for their best ribs participate in a competitive, and yet thoroughly enjoyable, Ribs Cook-off.   There’s no cost to participate, but there is a requirement for minimum number of ribs to cook. A  panel of national rib and restaurant chefs taste the ribs in a blind cook-off.  Individuals who want to be taste testers, pay for the privilege.

Cottage Industries Tent        All Three Days   
Individuals with developmental disabilities are part of a Cottage Industries tent where they sell their arts,  crafts and cottage industries merchandise.  This tent is a true reflection of the commitment by Community Advocates to provide programs and opportunities for the clients they represent and serve.  Hosting the Cottage Industries Tent is also a commitment to positioning the varied small businesses that create a meaningful opportunity.

People’s Choice Award      All three days – awarded Saturday evening
The sponsoring company’s name would be included on all voting cards signage and voting box.  Individuals complete the forms at the voting booth.