Thousands of people are in downtown Davenport this weekend for the annual River Roots Live concert series in LeClaire Park. While the music draws a crowd, so does the food. Professional BBQ vendors vying for a vote during Rib Fest.
"A lot of work, a lot of prep getting everything ready to go," said Chris Teel, owner of Bones BBQ, Davenport.
There are bright and colorful signs at each rib vendor stand urging hungry visitors to stop by and try some ribs. Vendors from all over the country trying to win over your taste buds.
"We're going to give it our best shot," said Donna Rice, Desperado's BBQ, Ohio. "You have to start with a good quality product, one that isn't too fatty but has enough fat to tenderize." Desperado's BBQ is the people's choice winner from last year's Rib Fest. But local vendors, like first-timer Bones BBQ, are hoping for the top spot, too.
"We're excited as we are kind of nervous," said Teel. "We're next to people that do this all the time for a living, we wouldn't mind giving the 'big guns' a little run for their money today."
Cooking tasty ribs takes hard work, long hours, and heavy machinery. Massive cookers working overtime to smoke the meat into perfection.
"We smoke it until they're almost ready to fall off the bone," said Rice.
Last year, some vendors sold out of ribs because so many people came out to give them a try. Many vendors bringing more than 100 cases to Rib Fest this year.
"That's a lot of ribs," Rice said.
To vote for your favorite vendor, pick up a ballot in one of the volunteer tents.
