2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff

09/07/2025

Coming soon!!!

I wanted to start by saying "Thank You" to all the vendors who participated this year. The event was a huge success. I hope everyone did well.
We are going to do things a little different next year with the vendors. I set it up this year so that we would only have one of each category to stop competition between like vendors. The problem with that was several vendors decided not to show this year with no notice what-so-ever, leaving us without certain categories. The attendees were the ones who lost as a result.
If you'd like to be an exclusive vendor next year, then the fee will be a little more. I am working on those details and prices. This will guarantee you that particular category. For instance, if you have a candle business, then you would be the only candle vendor there. If you have a kettle corn business, then you'd be the only one selling kettle corn.
There are some categories that would be hard to separate. For instance, t-shirts. There are so many different types and styles. If you pay to be exclusive, then we wouldn't allow another vendor to come in with the exact same products. For instance, we wouldn't allow 2 vendors selling TN Vols shirts. But different prints would be accepted. We are just trying to not have 2 vendors having a price war for the same product. I hope this makes sense.
If you would rather pay the standard vendor fee, then we would allow others in the same category to sign up.
Vendors will pre-pay for their space next year. Any cancellations within 2 weeks of the event will be non-refundable. I had a few vendors cancel within 24 hours of the event this year. We not only lost the category they were signed up for, but we lost the revenue from the space as well.
If you'd like to be a sponsor next year, we will waive vendor fees for any donations over $100. Your company name will appear on all social media posts, banners, etc..., and will be announced over the PA during the event.
Next year will be bigger and better. More competitors. More food. More games. Bigger bands. I am already working on the logistics. I look forward to having you all back.
If you are interested in being a vendor for the Christmas Market on Dec. 6th at Little Milligan Community Center in Butler, message me. It will be an indoor event. Spaces will be $30. More details to come in the next few weeks.

09/04/2025

If you were a vendor for the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff and you'd like to be a vendor for a Christmas market, please message me.

09/01/2025

09/01/2025

What an incredible day! We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who made the 2nd Annual First Responder Ribfest a smashing success.

To our generous sponsors, your support is the foundation of this event and allows us to do what we do. To the competitors, thank you for bringing the heat and some of the best ribs we've ever tasted! To our hardworking volunteers, your dedication and time are truly invaluable. And to all of our attendees, thank you for showing up and celebrating with us.

Your support directly benefits our fire department and helps us continue to keep our community safe. We are so grateful for your generosity and look forward to seeing you at next year's Ribfest!

08/30/2025

We'll see you at Ralph Stout Park today for the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff.

08/29/2025

One more sleep!!! The countdown is almost over- The 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff kicks off TOMORROW! Get ready for smoky grills, amazing BBQ, mouthwatering sauces, live music, games, vendors, door prizes, raffles, silent auction, and more.
Come hungry. Leave happy.

Ralph Stout Park
210 S. Church St.
Mountain City
11am - 7pm

08/29/2025

A huge shout out to Kristina Parsons for her generous donation of premium leather goods to this year's 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff.

These items will be at the raffle prize tables. You can win any of these as well as many other amazing prizes for just a $2 ticket.

08/28/2025

Need prayer? Stop by the Prayer Tent at the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff. Whether you're carrying a heavy burden, seeking peace, or just need someone to stand with you in faith, you're not alone. Lauren & Dina will be there to prayer with you.

08/28/2025

2 more days until the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff!!!! Weather forecast is looking awesome. Guests are arriving in town. Competitors are getting ready to fire up the smokers. Food is being prepped. Vendors are loading their vehicles. Final touches are being put on the games. Bands are packing their equipment. WQUT Tri-Cities Classic Rock and 96.9 WXBQ are both scheduled to do live broadcasts at the event. This is going to be an event to remember. Are you ready for some BBQ?

08/28/2025

🎩✨ Prepare to Be Amazed! ✨🎩
This year’s 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff just got magical! 🪄

Don’t miss the spellbinding performances by our incredible Magician — with mind-blowing illusions, jaw-dropping tricks, and fun for all ages! 🎉

Dillon Williams Magic will be performing a magic show from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff.

08/27/2025

The kid's fire safety class, taught by Elk Mills Poga Volunteer Fire Department very own Chief Walsh, will be at 2pm. They will learn valuable life-saving skills. Participants will get a signed Junior Fire Chief certificate at the completion of the class. The class is free for all kids who'd like to take it. The fire trucks will be available during the whole event. Kids will be able to get in the trucks and even spray some water with the fire hose.

08/27/2025

This is the knife that Jason Smith from HoboForge/Survival forged for the 2nd Annual First Responder Rib Cookoff . This is an amazing knife. Look how sharp it is. This is another one of the many incredible prizes that will be available to win if you have the highest bid at the silent auction tables. The prizes this year are insane. You dont want to miss this event. We'll see you Saturday.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DN1IDqxYvbF/?igsh=MWx1ZG5zcGgxNXhvdA==