Downtown Willoughby’s Rib Burn Off well attended despite on-and-off rain

For the seventh year in a row, downtown Willoughby hosted its signature summer kick-off: The Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off, thanks to a dedicated team of organizers, a zealous crew of cooks and a good cause to support.

Although many folks may not be aware, the event was designed to coincide with Armed Forces Day and benefits the USO of Northern Ohio, according to John Bower, who owns and operates Mullarkey’s Irish Pub in Downtown Willoughby and also is the President of the Downtown Willoughby Bar & Restaurant Association.

“All seven years, we’ve donated a portion of the proceeds to the Northern Ohio USO,” Bower said, adding that, three years ago, the proceeds from the event began topping al the other donations the organization receives.

“I started the Rib Burn Off and realized it was Armed Forces Day, which is the third Saturday in May,” he said. “And I thought it would be nice to do something for the troops.”

Bower said the portion of the funds raised by the rib burn off that go to the NEO USO contribute to numerous efforts benefitting active members of the military who are deployed overseas, along with their families here at home.

But, whether they know about the fact it benefits U.S. troops and their families or not, those who attend the event seem to think it’s a great time with a great vibe and great food, to boot.

“Willoughby resident Mark and Carolyn Flacke, for example, said it was news to them that the event benefits the USO. But they’ve been coming since it started and enjoy the fact that it’s a community oriented event that brings great food to the neighborhood.

“It’s food and fun and talking with our neighbors, basically,” said Mark as he enjoyed some ribs.

Carolyn concurred.

“It’s a nice community event,” she said.

Mark said they remember coming to the rib burn off for its inauguration, when organizers likely didn’t realize how popular it would be, right off the bat.

“We’ve missed a couple years. But we’ve been coming since it began,” he said. “I remember the first year when, I think the organizers didn’t realize how big of a thing it would be because they ran out of ribs before it was over.”

The Flackes said they weren’t aware of the USO connection to the event and, knowing what they do now about that, it makes them even more enthusiastic about it.

“Now that I know it’s for a good cause, I’d say it’s a good time for a good cause and I’d encourage anyone to come,” Mark said.

Another family — the Sumpters, also from Willoughby — said they come to enjoy the food, the live music and the good vibe every year.

“I feel like there aren’t so many little downtown cities like Willoughby on the east side (of Cleveland), so this is a really nice gathering here on this side of town,” said Michelle Sumpter, who was at the event with husband, Jackson, and 2-year-old daughter, Alexa.

“It’s a great time,” Jackson said.

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