One of Haines City’s great traditions is back – bigger and better than ever.
Miracle Toyota is the title sponsor for the 14th annual “Ribs on the Ridge Brews & BBQ”. This year’s event at Lake Eva Park takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19.
The annual Florida BBQ Association (FBA) competition will feature both professional and backyard teams from across the state. They’ll compete for $11,000 in cash prizes and trophies. Competitors must be FBA members.
Partnerships with Bernie Little Distributors, Inc. and kidsPACK will add a new wrinkle to this year’s fun and help out a great cause. There will be craft beer and cocktail tasting, and a photo opportunity with Miss Budweiser. Bernie Little will also provide one lucky attendee with the opportunity to win beer for a year.
To be entered in a drawing to win, attendees can donate Chef Boyardee containers or monetary donations. Other non-perishable items like fruit cups, trail mix and granola bars will also be collected. Those items will go toward the nonprofit kidsPACK which helps feed homeless and hungry children.
“This is always an outstanding event where friends and families can come together, enjoy live entertainment and great food,” said Terrell Griffin, Parks & Recreation Director. “Partnering with kidsPACK for the third straight year allows us and our attendees to make a difference at the same time. We’re fortunate to have such a supportive community and so many wonderful sponsors, including our title sponsor Miracle Toyota, who play a vital role in making our great city what it is.”
In addition to the brews and barbecue, the event features vendors and a kid zone, which includes bounce houses, games, arts, crafts and more. There will also be live entertainment, provided by Red Hot Roosters, Almost There and Tyler Haney.
The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in competing or vending can register at www.hainescity.com/191/Ribs-on-the-Ridge. For more information on becoming an FBA member, visit www.fba39.wildapricot.org.
“Whether you enjoy great food, cold beer, music or just want to have a great time in the sun with your family and friends, there’s something here for everyone,” said Lindsaia Johansmeyer, Special Events Supervisor. “This is annually one of our biggest events and through the hard work of our staff and the help of our sponsors, we think this is going to be the best one yet.”