Rib, White and Blue is Akron’s National Rib Festival. Organized and sponsored by the City of Akron, this festival can be considered as the highlight of all summer festivals in the City. This festival is held on the Fourth of July weekend in South Main Street in Akron. One great thing about this event? Admission is free on all four days!
At Rib, White and Blue, the best rib restaurants and vendors in the state compete and one amongst all of them will hail supreme – at least when it comes to ribs. The winner will receive cash prize and the chance to travel five states as the winner of the rib festival. For the first three years since the festival started, Carolina Rib King held the title, but was bested by Big Boned BBQ this year (2013).
The festival may be all about ribs, but no one can survive on those grilled goodness alone – and yes, I will admit that some people may prove me wrong in that claim. The organizers, however, believed there should be more food choices in the festival. For this reason, they have allowed ice cream, fried and chips, hoagies, fried veggies, cakes, beer floats and food truck vendors in the festival grounds for those people who want something else to eat.
Aside from the food, one big thing that festival participants should look forward to is the entertainment. For four days, the organizers have commissioned different artists to provide live entertainment to the participants. Parents who bring their kids in the festival can also find time to enjoy the activities themselves as there are attractions where children can hang out and meet friends.
Of course, the Fireworks Finale is also something that shouldn’t be missed. This is after all, a Fourth of July weekend and like all Fourth of July celebrations in the past, the fireworks display is always anticipated. Whether you want to sample to sample the best ribs in the state or you’re there to enjoy the fireworks display, Rib, White and Blue has something to offer that will keep you coming back for more the following year.
