Published: June 29, 2009 01:11 pm      

Avon Chamber hosts Rib-Fest

AVON — The Hendricks County Rib-Fest, sponsored by the Avon Chamber of Commerce, was held Saturday at Washington Township Park despite a few challenges such as a power outage and sweltering heat.

“I think that it went well,” said Beverly Austin, executive assistant for the Avon Chamber of Commerce. “We were delayed by the power outage. The transformer blew and Duke Energy had to come and get us up and going again. We didn’t have any power for about 30 minutes.”

Austin said she was pleased with the entertainment acts this year.

“I think that our entertainment was very good,” Austin said. “I can’t say that it was the best that we have ever had, because I don’t want to hurt anyone who has come before. But I think that it was good to have three (bands).”

Serving as judges for this year’s Rib-Fest were Lori Leyba, Orville Woody, Carolyn Turner, Matt Martin, and Casey Jamerson.

“The celebrity judging was so fun,” Austin said. “Carolyn and (Orville) Woody had a really good time. It went really well.”

The judges selected Boulder Creek as the winner of the best ribs and Texas Roadhouse as having the best sauce. The crowd voted Pit Stop BBQ as having the best ribs and Hogshead BBQ as having the best sauce. The winners were chosen out of several local restaurants that were on hand as vendors.

“I think (that everyone enjoyed the ribs),” Austin said. “I think that part went very well. The vendors were very patient about the no power thing. That was tough on them.”

Austin said musical headliner Casey Jamerson was well worth the wait for the crowd.

“(Jamerson) is a sweet girl,” Austin said. “She sang her little heart out and did very well. I understand that she wasn’t feeling very well. You wouldn’t have known it when she was on stage.”

In addition to Jamerson, the other bands were Blue Tear Band and Knee Deep in the Weeds.

The night was capped off by fireworks around 10:30 p.m.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com