Published: June 19, 2009 12:04 pm      

Rib-Fest returns to Avon park

AVON —

The Avon Chamber of Commerce is hosting the fifth annual Hendricks County Rib-Fest from 5 to 10 p.m. June 27 at Washington Township Park.

“The excitement is high,” said Beverly Austin, executive assistant at the Chamber. “This is our fifth anniversary, so the planning has gotten a little easier. It is a very popular event.”

Local restaurants will compete in a competition for the best BBQ ribs and BBQ sauce category honors. Vendors and competitors will be allowed to sell their food to the public and the winner will receive prize plaques at the end of the evening. They also receive bragging rights that they have the best BBQ in Hendricks County. Vendors are judged by a panel of local celebrity judges from the community.

Rib-Fest also features fun and games for children, vendors, live bands, awards, and fireworks to end the night. In addition, this year’s event will have the BMV2You — the mobile unit for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The Indiana National Guard will bring a rock climbing activity and Project ANGEL will be hosting events in the children’s area.

“We have three bands for the event,” Austin said. “We will only have 15-minute breaks to switch bands.”

In addition, Austin said they were able to get Casey Jamerson to headline the event.

“(Jamerson) is from Nashville,” she said. “She is the first country music performer that we have had. You can hear her on the radio.”

In addition to Jamerson, Blue Tear Band and Knee Deep in the Weeds will perform.

“It provides an opportunity for people to get together,” Austin said. “It gives families something to do. I think that it’s important that admission is free in this tough economic time. The only money that they have to spend is on food. The entertainment is free and it is good for the kids.”

Austin said the Washington Township Park is a great venue to hold the festivities. She also mentioned that the park has plans to accommodate future growth of the event.

Due to the expectation of large crowds, additional parking will be available at Harmony Baptist Church.

For a complete schedule of events, a map of the park, or a list of participating vendors, visit the chamber’s website at www.avonchamber.org. For more information, call 272-4333.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com