Long name, phenomenal grilling

• Events

The City of Sandusky is kicking off its 2008 festival series with the second annual Rib Crackin' Rib & Wing Burn-Off & Music Festival, which takes place June 20 and 21 at the Sandusky Bay Pavilion.

 “It was very popular last year being that it was a first-year event,” said City of Sandusky Special Events & Recreation Coordinator Judy Nagy. “Last year we had about 2,500 people and we’re hoping for a much larger crowd this year. In fact, we’re always hoping to double everything we do.

“So it’s a wonderful time, the venue is perfect and it’s just a really nice time to spend on the waterfront.”

Rib Crackin' Rib & Wing Burn-Off & Music Festival features a variety of delicious foods, including barbecue ribs and chicken wings, traditional food selections, beverages, and live music.

Returning vendors include last year’s “Best Chicken Wing” winner D Ray's BBQ, as well as last year’s “Best Ribs” winner Danny Boy's Restaurant. Other food purveyors are Grillin & Chillin' Ribs & Chicken, Marshall Grave's Ribs & Chicken and Pizza Pan.

From the music stage, Cleveland’s the Swamp Boogie Band plays its blues, R&B and classic sounds from 5 to 8 p.m., June 20, while The Bluescasters are scheduled to perform its energized mix of blues, classic rock, R&B and jazz from 5 to 8 p.m., June 21.

“I actually think ribs and blues (music) go together, because it was something that was very popular down in the south,” Nagy said. “You almost always have blues and jazz music when you smell the beautiful aromatic scent of the ribs cooking on the grill.

“And the ribs we had last year were awesome, so I’m sure these are going to be even more phenomenal.”

Food and beverage items can be purchased with $1.25 tickets sold at the Rib Crackin' Rib & Wing Burn-Off & Music Festival. In addition, people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment from the Sandusky Bay Pavilion stage.

“I think that rib festivals in general are very popular with folks,” Nagy said. “Ribs are fantastic, and there’s such a variety of flavors and tastes that you really want to experience a lot of different types. We will be, again, letting the attendees vote for their favorites. They will be able to fill out a ticket and throw their vote into a box for the vendor they think are the best rib cooker and wing vendor.

“It’s an opportunity for folks to select what they think are the best and it’s a very competitive thing. The vendors really get into it and really like receiving their awards. So food is just one of those things that people gravitate towards, and it’s an enjoyable time for everybody.”