- November 26, 2024
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For many rock enthusiasts, the ribs were already gone by the time The Long Run, an Eagles tribute band, took the stage on Saturday night.
The annual Rock 'N' Rib presented by the city of Palm Coast, Beach 92.7 and KIX Country 98.7, brought two first-time competitions to Palm Coast.
Occupying the stage for the majority of the festival was the local session of America's largest country music talent show: the Texaco Country Showdown. The competition, sponsored by KIX Country, featured seven acts competing for a chance to represent the region at the Florida finals and a prize of $100,000.
While the competition was fierce, The AfterWhile, from neighboring Volusia County, took the win and will go on to compete at the state finals Sept. 14, at the Spirit of the Suwannee, in Live Oak.
“In my opinion, it was one of the best shows I’ve seen from you,” Terry Turner told the band Monday morning.
The other first for the festival was the Backyard BBQ Contest, which featured 27 contestants in a Kansas City Barbeque Society-ruled contest.
Local Bunnell contestants Donnie’s BBQ took earned top honors, being named Grand Champion. Donnie's also took third place in the chicken category and second in the "anything but" category.
Palm Coast-based Big Brothers BBQ was named Grand Reserve Champion and took second place in the pork category.
Other winners are as follows: Rackahaulic, chicken; Buggin Out BBQ, pork ribs; Bacher St. BBQ, pork; Mullis Meat Makin, anything but; amd Big Bald BBQ, people’s choice.
Luanne Santangelo, director of park and recreation for the city, said that having these two elements at the festival, as well as a lower admission price, brought in more attendance. More than 5,000 paid adults came to the festibal, Santangelo said.
“It’s hard to compare to the past years because it seems like they were such different events,” Santangelo said.
One thing that is already planned to change for next year is the availability of ribs and barbecue for festival attendees. While people were able to purchase sample plates as part of the people’s choice judging for the barbecue contest, there was only one vendor actually selling ribs for purchase.
“Trying to get the vendors to come out to sell is always a challenge,” Santangelo said. “But I know a lot of people were disappointed, and we do plan to change that for next year and allow those competing to vend as well. It’s about learning and growing."
