Pronesti wins rib-eating contest

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Vinny Pronesti from the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Augusta ate one full rack of ribs in 8 minutes 30 seconds to win the 8th annual “Rock, Ribs & Ridges Rib Eating Challenge” on Saturday, June 9, in Sussex.
Pronesti defeated a field of eight non-profit organizations from across the region in the annual fundraiser held at Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, presenting sponsor of the upcoming Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival.
Award-winning pitmaster Scott Reid of Texas Smoke BBQ in Jefferson donated the ribs while Franklin Sussex Auto Mall donated more than $2,000 in cash and prizes to the non-profit organizations and charities.
Pronesti’s win earned $500 for the hospice named for Karen Ann Quinlan, whose case brought national and worldwide attention to the debate of whom and under what circumstances extraordinary means of keeping a loved one alive should be made. He also received a pair of tickets to the upcoming Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival featuring country music superstar Travis Tritt and eight other headliners, June 23-24, at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta.
“It’s surreal, I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Pronesti, who narrowly defeated defending champion Andy Garger of the Sparta Education Foundation. “I was very happy to step up to support this great organization, they help out a lot of people, so I’m glad I could help them. And I really wanted to win.”
The annual rib eating contest serves as an appetizer to the annual summer bash, which fires up the outdoor summer concert and grilling season with nine concert performances headed by two-time Grammy Award winner Travis Tritt, the Outlaws, Foghat, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Artimus Pyle, Poco, and The Weight Band.
Attendees can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ served up by Reid and four other top pitmasters from around the country.
For tickets and information visit www.rockribsandridges.com.