30th Northwest Ohio Rib-Off

“Rockers Bret Michaels and Kansas, and country star Colt Ford, will headline the Yark Automotive 30th Annual Rib-Off presented by The Blade,” The Blade’s Director of Sales, Mike Mori, announced. The event will take place August 8, 9, 10 and 11 at the Lucas County Fairgrounds in Maumee.

Barbeque vendors from around the nation, as well as local restaurants, will be on hand to tempt festival goers with delicious ribs and more, all vying for top honors. Many of these vendors are the same national award-winning grill masters who take their delicious outdoor cuisine to competitions all across the nation, so it’s sure to offer a wide variety of tastes. This year, along with the Peoples’ Choice Awards, there will be a Celebrity Panel of foodies taste-testing ribs to determine who earns the title of “Best Ribs, 2013 Northwest Ohio Rib-Off.”

Thursday night, August 8, will showcase country music rapper, Colt Ford, with up-and-coming country music artist, Josh Thompson, as his special guest. Former Poison front man and reality TV star, Bret Michaels, will take the stage on Friday, August 9; and on Saturday, August 10, join progressive rock band, Kansas, as they present an “Unforgettable Evening” on their 40th Anniversary Tour.

The Amazing Air Dogs, sponsored by The Andersons, will again provide entertainment on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Tickets for The Rib-Off go on sale Friday, May 17, 2013. Seating for all three concerts is limited, so pre-purchasing your ticket is advised.

General Admission tickets for Thursday are $5 in advance and $7 at the gate; on Friday and Saturday general admission tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the gate. Advance general admission tickets may be purchased at any TIREMAN or The Andersons location, the Stranahan Theater Box Office in person or via phone at 419-381-8851, or at www.etix.com.

VIP Seating Tickets for Colt Ford are $15 in advance and $19 at the gate. VIP Seating Tickets for Bret Michaels are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate, and for Kansas, VIP Seating Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate. The VIP Seating Tickets are available in person at the Stranahan Theater Box Office or via phone at 419-381-8851, or on-line at www.etix.com. Tickets are only available at the Fairgrounds gate on the day of each show.

Hours for the Rib-Off are Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon–11p.m., with free admission until 3 pm; and on Sunday, noon–7pm, with free admission all day courtesy of Cedar Creek Church.

Nothing goes better with savory BBQ than jamming, rib-bone in hand, to a rocking band. For more information, contact Mike Mori, Event Director, at 419-724-6380.