Follow the Savory Smell of Hickory Smoke to Elkhorn's Rib Fest And Tradition

Elkhorn, WI - Facebook suspected something political was afoot says Larry Gaffey, General Manager for the Walworth County Fairgrounds. It was 2016 and Elkhorn Rib Fest's brand new, social media page flooded with incoming traffic. Gaffey, the event's organizer, didn't invest much in publicity other than Facebook and certainly didn't expect much fanfare the first year of Rib Fest's existence. He had only booked six or so BBQ vendors planning out Elkhorn Rib Fest for an anticipated 2,500 attendees, not the 25,000 that actually showed up in 2016 and 2017. Gaffey and his crew had to scramble buying soda and water bottles at a nearby grocery store to meet the unanticipated crowds. 

In the years following, word got out across the fest's social media channels and attendance exploded from there. There was no more need for marketing on Facebook people were calling Gaffey to get on the competitor list of BBQ attendees. There were so many Gaffey had to start turning people away. He decided to limit the number of participants to 14. 

The barbecue competition is why the masses came. Elkhorn Rib Fest is divided into two competitions: one for the big corporate chains and small business owners; the other for barbecue hobbyists and backyard heroes. The high profile, national championship attracts BBQ restaurants from across Wisconsin, Illinois and parts of the Southern U.S.  Locally, there's Wisconsin Style Barbecue, Mr. Green's BBQ from Milwaukee owned by Thomas Green and MM&E BBQ out of Racine last year's Rib Fest champion. Beyond the Badger State there is Muhammed Ali's favorite North of Memphis out of Central Minnesota, BBQ'D Productions from Lake Zurich, Illinois, Desperado's BBQ owned by celebrity chef, Steve Botkin, and many more.

Each commercial level entrant submits to a certified panel of BBQ judges Category winners receive $200 and "a great trophy." Grand Champion $350 and an even flashier, bigger trophy. The backyard entrants are judged by the public. The ultimate BBQ entry or Grand Champion of Rib Fest must win the approval of not only the public (People's Choice) but be chosen by the panel expert judges as well.

Eventually, Gaffey expanded Elkhorn Rib Fest beyond it's early beginnings. He added carnival rides, an art fair. There's a whole section for commercial vendors selling RVs, windows, gutters, brooms and more. Last year, Gaffey estimates the fest had between 100 - 120 thousand attendees it placing close to the top in the nation for similar type events. Rib Fest is only surpassed in numbers by the Rib Cook Off in Reno hosted by the Nugget Casino & Resort which takes place over 10 days.

This year, Elkhorn Rib Fest expanded to five days for its' sixth year. According to Gaffey there are over 57,000 on their Facebook interested in attending. The additional day for Rib Fest means more food. In addition to fan favorite BBQ vendors there are 20 to 25 food vendors selling everything from funnel cakes to hamburgers to pizza. There are 25 bands playing over the five day event on two stages.  Gaffey's crew installed a massive tent for the musical performances in case of bad weather, and placed straw bales around outside the regular seating for overflow. There's even a Bike Show (motorcycle beauty contest) where bike entrants are judged by the public in categories such as Bagger, Best Bobber, Best Chopper, Best Cruiser, Best Freestyle, and Best Vintage.

DETAILS:

Elkhorn Rib Fest runs July 13 - 17. The event is free to the public and the parking is free.  Elkhorn Rib Fest takes place at the Walworth County Fairgrounds located at 411 East Court Street, Elkhorn.

For more information call (262) -723-3228