August 4, 2010

Ribfest: It’s all about barbecued ribs

By Tina Foreman
Farmer Staff Writer

Where can you get great bargains, a Show Down at Noon, a Diaper Derby and great food all in one place? The Best Of The West Ribfest, of course!
The Best Of The West Ribfest, which will be held on Friday, Aug. 6 in downtown Watford City, is always a fun time, but this year’s is on track to be the best one yet.
“It was brought to our attention last year that there wasn’t a lot for the kids throughout the afternoon,” says Laura Sanford, Best Of The West Ribfest Committee chairman. “So, we’ve added all kinds of games and activities for the kids. I think this year’s event is going to be a great time for everyone.”
With only 10 teams signed up so far, Sanford expects that the ribs will go as fast as always. But even if you miss the ribs, there will be other food available so the evening won’t be a total loss. And if you’re interested in adding to the amount of ribs by having a team, it’s not too late.
“We need to have teams signed up early enough to order the 150 pounds of ribs that we suggest each team cook,” adds Sanford. “So if you’re interested in having a team, sign up soon.”
Teams can sign up at www. 4eyes.net or by calling the Watford City Area Chamber of Commerce at 444-2526.
Friday’s festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with team set-up, the opening of the Street Fair and the Jam Session with Jeff Nelson and his special guest singers.
“Jeff Nelson is great, and in addition to the Main Street businesses, we have a lot of vendors signed up for the Street Fair,” comments Sanford. “Fun for the kids starts at noon with the Show Down at Noon.”
Children of all ages are invited to dress up in western gear for the Show Down at Noon which will be held outside of Meyer’s Department Store. There will be prizes and gifts for all of the kids in costume.
“The Diaper Derby is another new event this year,” says Sanford. “If you have a little one in diapers who can crawl or has just learned to walk, they’re a perfect fit for the Diaper Derby.”
From 1 to 5 p.m. kids of all ages will enjoy Fun on the Street, which will include a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, races, a Water Balloon Toss, Minute To Win It games, a Dunking Booth and much much more.
In addition to the Fun on the Street, will be a Basketball Shoot-Out competition from 3 to 7 p.m. The competition is open to youth from first through 12th grade and pre-registration is not required. The competition will take place between Meyer’s Department Store and Badlands Hardware.
If you’re not interested in participating in the basketball competition, you can always watch it along with Line Dancing Demonstrations, Little Wolves Basketball and Lindsay’s Little Dancers between 4 and 5 p.m.
The ribs will be judged at 4:30 p.m. followed by the opening of all rib booths at 5 p.m.
Dinner music will be provided by the Taylor Brothers from 5 to 8 p.m. and entertainment for the kids from the Fun On The Run Games from 5 to 9 p.m.
“After everyone is finished with their ribs, we hope they will participate in the Longest Chicken Dance on Main Street,” urges Sanford. “We will get the line going at 8 p.m. and hope to have enough Chicken Dancers to line Main Street.”
After all the ribs are gone and everyone has picked up some great bargains at the Street Fair, you can close out the day to KHook at the Street Dance from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER