Firefighters wanted for Rib Eating Contest
AUGUSTA — Volunteer firefighters are wanted to partake in the annual Firefighters Rib Eating Contest fundraiser on June 13 to heat up the upcoming Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival.
Festival organizers are seeking 12 fire departments to enter one firefighter each to see who can eat a rack of ribs the fastest.
The winner’s firehouse will receive $500 courtesy of Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, the festival’s presenting sponsor, with the individual winner receiving a pair of general admission tickets to the 6th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, June 27 to 28.
The rib eating contest is free to enter and will take place on Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin Sussex Auto Mall located at 315 Route 23 North in Sussex. Franklin Sussex Auto Mall will also donate $100 to each participating firehouse. Each individual contestant will receive one free general admission ticket to the festival.
Franklin Sussex Auto Mall has donated more than $6,500 in cash and prizes since the contest began in 2011.
The festivities will include a performance by the Farmer Phil Band and a barbecue with firefighters’ friends, families and the general public invited to attend.
T.J. Donnelly of the Sussex Fire Department dethroned three-time defending champion Hunter Space of the Beemerville Fire Company in Wantage to win last year’s title. Firehouses have used the prize money to purchase much needed gear and equipment.
Eric Figueroa of the highly popular Double S Diner in Sussex will once again supply the ribs for the contest. He won the juried rib cook-off for “Best Ribs” and “Best Sauce” at the 2011 festival.
To enter the rib eating contest, volunteer fire companies should contact Ken Staats via email to kstaats@promo1.info.
Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, Rock, Ribs & Ridges is a two day music and food festival that fires up the summer music and grilling season with a lineup headed by the legendary Charlie Daniels, barbecue served up by top regional chefs, and a selection of craft beers.
For additional information including tickets to the festival, visit www.rockribsandridges.com.