Teams vie for ‘Best Ribs’ title

Published 10:54 pm Monday, April 25, 2016

The Blackbelt Benefit Group’s fifth-annual Rock ‘n Ribs Benefit on Saturday will feature new menu items and live entertainment.

Proceeds of the event will benefit Grow Selma and the Mill Village Community Garden and Food Park, but the main goal is to provide fun for the community.

“We started the event mostly for the community,” said BBG member Clay Carmichael. “We aren’t making this much of a moneymaker event as much as we are just wanting people to come out and have a blast.”

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Gates open to the public at 1 p.m. General admission for the rib-off is $10 and includes all you can eat ribs and hors d’oeurves.

At 5 p.m., the big stage opens for musical entertainment with a $15 admission fee. Kids ages 12 and under enter for free.

This year Selma natives Rick Carter and Kenny Brown will perform in addition to the Banditos and The Band of Heathens.

Deadline for team registration was Friday, April 22, but potential teams may still have the opportunity to sign-up.

“We’re really easy going, so we aren’t strict on that, but we’d like to have everybody in that last week,” Carmichael said.

In addition to the traditional variety of hors d’oeurves and ribs, teams will now have the opportunity to compete for best wings.

Carmichael said they decided to add wings this year to mix things up.

First place winners will receive a grand prize of $1,000. Runner-up, people’s choice and best wings will also receive various prizes.

Judges will grade ribs for presentation, flavor, creativity, and texture.

For the past two years, Southern Hardwood Smokers has taken home the grand prize.

“We try to stick to the same plan every year,” said team member Ricky Vogler. “Like I’ve always said, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’”

Vogler said the team doesn’t plan on participating in the wing category, but is looking forward to the competition and a good time.

“It’s a good thing for Selma, and I hope they continue to do it in the future,” Vogler said.