Event will be at Depot Square in Ironton

For foodies look for something to do this weekend, there will be a new event.

The first Ohio Ribber-Bones and Brews Rib Fest will be this Saturday and Sunday at the Depot Square. It will feature five local caterers making ribs and a beer tent.

“We wanted to start small and build it into an annual event,” said Billy Bruce, one of the organizers of Ohio Ribber. “Memorial Day is such a huge event in Ironton, we want to build something that becomes a part of their tradition, hopefully.”

Memorial Day weekend was selected for the inaugural event because the town’s population practically doubles with people coming home for the parade and for graduations.

“There is, frankly, not a whole lot going on,” Bruce said. “Rick Jansen and I have thought about this for a couple years and this year, we decided to go ahead and pull the trigger. We want things for people to do and have a good time.”

Admission is free. Food prices depend on the vendor.

The five local people making ribs are Polish Smoke’s BBQ and the Ambassador, both from Ironton; Dorky Porky, both from Ashland; Shortie’s BBQ from South Point; and A&A Concessions from Beaver.

“They all make really good food,” Bruce said.

The cooks with the best ribs will get a judge’s award and customers can also vote for their favorite. Bobby Grizzle, of Ironton, is one of the organizers and will be the chief judge.

The event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and from 3 p.m. to midnight on Sunday.

Besides ribs, there will also be chicken and other food.

There will be musical entertainment on both days. On Saturday, Adam Crank will perform from 5-6:45 p.m., Holly and the Guy will perform from 7-9 p.m. and Trapped in Orbit will play from 9:15 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, Jerry Lee Brooks Blues Band will play throughout the day.

There was supposed to be a craft beer festival on Sunday, but Bruce said there wasn’t much interest in it so that part was dropped.

Proceeds from the event will go to local organizations.