An estimated 35,000 to 38,000 people attended the annual Nebraska Pork Producers' Capital City Ribfest, held August 7-10. Competitors from all across the nation and Australia showcased award-winning BBQ in downtown Lincoln's most popular summer event.
Along with ribs and brisket, live music played on the Performance Toyota/Scion stage from bands such as Julia Knew, Cactus Hill, The Dubious Brothers and Sister Red.
For the 12th year, Pershing Center Manager Tom Lorenz worked the event. Lorenz said the atmosphere couldn't have been better for a successful Ribfest. The people were able to attend and relax with friends and enjoy BBQ.
"It's been a great year," Lorenz said. "The weather cooperated. People love it."
Lorenz said over the years, the event has improved greatly. The downtown location, next to the Pershing Center and the music stage having the Capitol in the background, improved the atmosphere.
Last year's "Best of Show" winner, the Howling Coyote Southwestern BBQ from Chicago, and the third place winner, Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co. from Hinckley, Ohio, were back to compete.
Lorenz said the variations in the way these teams prepare their meat and sauces give the event much variety.
"These guys all do a great job," Lorenz said. "All the vendors are like the talent to us. Honestly, you can go to any one and get a great meal wherever you go."
Competitor Bill Milroy from Denton, Texas, represented the Texas Rib Rangers. Milroy has been competing since 1977 and said he took part in founding the first organization in the world to produce rules and guidelines for competitive cooking. He has seen as many as 250,000 people come to an event like this across the country.
The Lincoln Star Strutters helped vend for the Rib Rangers. The Rib Rangers have won the "Best of Show," competition twice since 2003, but didn't take it this year.
Milroy said he comes back every year to Ribfest and it is just like a big family reunion. He has friends here that he hasn't seen since the year before. The vendors stay close and talk on the phone throughout the year.
"It's like family," Milroy said. "Everybody helps each other. That's the cool part about it."
danaahrens@dailynebraskan.com
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