First responders sought for rib-eating contest

AUGUSTA — 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, 2016.
Franklin Sussex Auto Mall will also 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 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 “Rock, Ribs & Ridges Rib Eating Challenge” contact Ken Staats via email to kstaats@promo1.info.
For additional information including tickets to the festival, please visit www.rockribsandridges.com.