Organizer of Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off believes event thrives due to focus on affordable family fun

There are a few rites of passages to summertime in our area. For some folks, that’s the first fishing trip on Lake Erie or concert at Blossom Music Center.

However, when it comes to Memorial Day Weekend, the official kickoff to the summer, Northeast Ohioans have it in their DNA to mark the occasion with a tug of a BBQ rib followed by the elation of tangy sauce driving taste buds wild.

With that in mind, celebrating its 20th year is Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off, which takes place May 25 through 28 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

“It’s our signature regional event and main fundraiser,” Berea City Club Board Member and National Rib Cook-Off co-Chairman Greg Sponseller said. “It’s family-oriented with kids 12 and under free all weekend. We’ve got live bands every day (and) 14 ribbers from all over the country.”

This year’s rib vendors, including Blazin’ Broncos, Desperado’s, Jack on the Bone, Mojo’s Rib Shack, Pigfoot BBQ, Porky Chicks, Sgt. Oinks, Smoking Joe’s, Smokin T’s and Texas Pit, will vie for “Best Ribs,” “Best Sauce” and “People’s Choice” awards.

Musical acts include Clayton Brothers Band, Morgan White, Cruisin’ and

Disco Inferno on May 25; Gary West, The Stickers and The Caliber Band on May 26; Haywire, Recess, Aftermath and My Manic Episode on May 27; and Yearbook, Chardon Polka Band and Seven Nations on May 28.

“We have some of our regular bands and some new bands,” Sponseller said. “We understand a big-name group can draw. In fact, we’ve had some big names come through, but we think for the most part families come to this event because it’s just that — a family event where they can all have fun, eat some ribs, enjoy an outdoor picnic-like area with some live music. That’s the event.”

There are new additions to the National Rib Cook-Off, including for the first time a few amusement-park rides to go along with returning youthful attractions such as the rock-climbing wall, the bungee swings and face painting.

“We’re also adding a couple of tents this year so that if we get showered on, folks have an additional place to go,” Sponseller said. “For the most part, it’s an open-air area. We thought having tents in the infield, where we have the picnic tables, will be a benefit. Also, if it’s real hot, people can get out of the sun.”

For years, the National Rib Cook-Off had competition with a similar downtown Cleveland event, which no longer exists. Sponseller said the key is keeping costs down.

“I can’t say why the downtown event closed, but (my guess is it) became too expensive for families,” Sponseller said. “We’ve kept our admission at $5 for years with parking always being free. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat, the kids can run around and it’s just a fun, fun festival atmosphere.

“We usually get anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 people depending on the weather. So our event is just an outdoor party. It’s been a success every year, and we don’t want to mess with success.”

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off

When: Noon to 11 p.m. May 25, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 26, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 27 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 28.

Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea.

Tickets: $5 (free on Friday before 5 p.m.).

Info: BereaRib.com.

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