First-responders wanted for rib-eating contest

AUGUSTA — First responders are wanted to partake in the 6th annual “Rock, Ribs & Ridges Rib Eating Challenge,” an annual fundraiser that serves as an appetizer to the upcoming Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival.
Festival organizers are seeking 12 fire departments, police departments or emergency management services groups to enter one representative each to see who can eat a rack of ribs the fastest.
The “Rock, Ribs & Ridges Rib Eating Challenge” is free to enter and will take place on Saturday, June 4, at 2 p.m. at the Franklin Sussex Auto Mall located at 315 Route 23 North in Sussex.
During its first five years, the competition was held among volunteer fire departments, but due to its popularity Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman and Franklin Sussex Auto Mall General Manager Bill Snouffer have opened the contest to other first responders.
The winner’s department 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 7th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, June 25-26.
Franklin Sussex Auto Mall also will donate $100 to each participating group. Each individual contestant will receive one free general admission ticket to the festival.
As part of its commitment to serving the community, Franklin Sussex Auto Mall has donated more than $7,700 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 friends, families and the general public invited to attend.
Jeff Walsh of the Skyline Lake Fire Department in Ringwood won last year’s contest. His department utilized the donation to purchase much needed gear and equipment.
Eric Figueroa of the Double S Diner in Sussex Borough 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 “Rock, Ribs & Ridges Rib Eating Challenge” 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 legendary rockers Jefferson Starship, Kansas, Blues Traveler, The Outlaws and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle, plus mouthwatering barbecue served up by top regional chefs, and a selection of craft beers from across the country.
For additional information including tickets to the festival, please visit www.rockribsandridges.com.