Grills started smoking at 4 a.m. on Saturday morning to prepare for the Annual Ribfest at The Grove on Saturday. Thousands of rib revelers came to indulge in samples of ribs from 22 competitive contestants. This year’s title-holder was bestowed on Curtis Musser, whose craftmeatship reigned. Kevin Richardson placed for both his mustard rib rub and his unique dry rib rub. Former champion Aaron Reid of FOF BBQ (photo top left) returned to the field, and like many popular ribbers, had lines of people waiting for a taste of his talent. Four bands took to the stage starting at 1 p.m., making the fest a meatier and mightier success.
Photos by Michael Izquierdo/Photographer
A cook at Urban Smoke Café’s food booth prepares a row of ribs on the grill. 
An older couple dances to live music performed by Everett Dean & The Lonesome Hearts. 
A man orders some ribs from Aaron’s Full of Flavor BBQ food booth. 
A group of attendees dance to live music performed by Everett Dean & The Lonesome Hearts. 
