The entertainment line-up for the 17th Annual RibFest, presented by Dollar Loan Center, was huge and so was the attendance.
An estimated 47,000 people attended this year’s RibFest, breaking previous attendance records. Thursday’s mark of 11,000 set a new record for that night, while Saturday’s crowd of 18,000 is the highest single day attendance. Friday’s attendance reached 13,000, while Sunday’s rain-shortened attendance was 5,000.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rick Springfield, Loverboy, Foghat, Dee Snider and April Wine were among the big name acts that were featured at this year’s RibFest—which was moved to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. RibFest had been held in the Arena parking lot for the previous 16 years.
Proceeds from this year’s RibFest will benefit the Brennan Rock & Roll Academy, a program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire. Exact figures will be released at a later date.
RibFest also featured eight award-winning barbeque vendors from across the country vying for the coveted People’s Choice and Critic’s Choice Awards. A new rib vendor was introduced to RibFest fans this year—Uncle Bub’s from the Chicago area. The rookies took home one of the big prizes—first place in the Critic’s Choice category, which is voted on by a team of local judges. Rasta Joe’s took home the 2nd place trophy for Critic’s Choice, while Desperado’s took third.
Long-time favorite Porky ‘N’ Beans from Florida was selected as the People’s Choice winner by RibFest attendees.
Sponsors included Last Stop CD Shop, Indian Motorcycle, KTTW Fox, KDLT TV, KSFY TV, Billion Auto.com, Dakota Beverage, Sanford Children’s, Bulleit Bourbon, John Morrell’s, Grand Falls Casino Resort, Sheraton Hotel, and Spader’s RVs.
For more information, visit www.sfarena.com/ribfest.