Tri-State Rhythm and Rib Fest has a successful day By Josh Ellerbrock
Staff Writer
OTTAWA - The Tri-State Rhythm & Rib Fest last Saturday drew another large crowd to the Putnam County Fairgrounds despite some late day weather concerns that had the county under a severe thunderstorm watch from mid-afternoon until the events' closing time.
As usual, the Rib Fest drew patrons from all over the area as they converged on the fairgrounds for the ribs, entertainment and numerous activities that went on throughout the day.
The major attraction for the event was Savannah Jack who started with a bang, literally, and then played for two and a half hours straight until they got rained out.
"The new band this year was awesome," said Terry Klass, Ottawa-Glandorf Jaycee representative. "Savannah Jack was spectacular."
During the fest, it was announced that next year's Rhythm & Rib Fest would feature the Moving Wall, a traveling Vietnam War Memorial 300 feet long modeled after the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.
Because of the Moving Wall, next year's rib fest would most likely be a few days long and begin with a parade to honor veterans. The main musical attraction next year will be Parrots of the Caribbean, the number one Jimmy Buffet tribute act in the country.
As for the ribs, three different vendors took home the top awards from this years event. Tony's Restaurant, Findlay, claimed the People's Choice award, while the Red Pig Inn, Ottawa, was the judges' choice for best ribs. Smokin' Joe's Hogwild BBQ, Mansfield, received the award for the best sauce.
