Smokey's BBQ, BG's Main Event, Smokin' Hog Wild big winners at Rib Off
8/19/2018
Cooper Nauman, 2, of Luckey, Ohio sits on the shoulders of his uncle Joe Nauman while dancing with his mother Elizabeth Nauman as The Band Steele performs.
THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH
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A weekend full of live music, ribs, and fun concluded Sunday as three rib vendors took awards at The Blade's 35th annual Northwest Ohio Rib Off.
The people’s choice awards went to Smokey’s BBQ in Oregon for best local ribs and BG’s Main Event for the best national ribs. Smokin’ Hog Wild in Akron won the best ribs award as chosen by the judges.
Not everyone attended the event for the food. Several people came to enjoy the warm afternoon with their families.
Jessica Morris, 26, of Toledo brought her daughter to play in the bouncy castles and participate in other activities.
She said her favorite part of the four-day event was “spending time with the kids and the family.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Final day of Northwest Ohio Rib Off
VIDEO: Sights, sounds from the final day of the Rib Off
Her daughter even got the chance to practice dancing with the Evolve Dance Company.
Watching his 7-year old daughter Kylie Mae jump on the bouncy castle, Jeff Weisner, 53, of Toledo said he also came to enjoy the family friendly environment.
“She’s enjoying everything,” he said. “This is our third time through the bouncy houses.”
He added the Rib Off improves a little more each year. This is his sixth year attending the event since it moved to Maumee.
“Family day was much needed,” Mr. Weisner said. His favorite part was watching his daughter have fun. The two planned to get Kylie’s face painted and enjoy some elephant ears before leaving.
“Everything they can do for family is much appreciated,” Mr. Weisner said.
After enjoying some Armadillos’ ribs, Wilene Poindexter, 47, of Toledo waited for her friends while enjoying some music.
“It’s one of the events in the city where everybody comes and everybody feels welcomed, so that’s nice,” she said.
Julie Wells, 47, of Maumee was there for the Band Steele’s music.
“I wouldn’t go anywhere by myself, but I had to see him,” she said of singer Bo Steele. Ms. Wells has been following the band for seven years.
“This guy is going places,” she said.
She added that the Rib Off is one of her favorite Maumee events.
“I think our Rib Off is better than our fairs,” Ms. Wells said.
The four-day event was presented by Taylor Automotive Family and sponsored by Tireman, Budweiser, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Elizabeth Scott Community, TAS, and the U.S. Army.
Contact Areeba Shah at ashah@theblade.com, 419-724-6066, or on Twitter @areebashah.