FINGER LICKIN GOOD
There is nothing worse than hosting a Ribfest and quickly running out of the namesake, ribs.
But that’s exactly the dilemma organizers of the Blooming Prairie Ribfest faced last year. Within 50 minutes, Ribfest ran out of ribs, turning away some disgruntled and hungry rib lovers. A record number of 350 people attended last year’s event.
Rest assured, the frustrations were noted, and efforts have been made to not repeat what happened a year ago.
“It’s sad when you run out of ribs, so we have worked really hard to get three times as many ribs,” said Amanda Johnson, coordinator of Ribfest. “We have spent several months coming up with more ribs.”
Ribfest has come up with 30 additional cases of ribs on top of the 15 cases it normally offers. Each guest will be given five tickets for tasting ribs. Johnson said they should have enough ribs for at least 500 people.
Despite the additional ribs, organizers still advise people to “come early” as they will eventually run out of ribs. Rib tasting begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 and continues until the ribs are gone.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Another big change this year will be the layout of Ribfest. The entire parking lot around the Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club will be utilized for this year’s activities.
“It should make everyone more happy,” said Josi Christy, interim director of the Blooming Prairie Youth Club. She said “some felt out of it” last year with the layout not extending all-round the Servicemen’s Club, forcing them into other adjacent areas. “It has leveled the playing field for competition of the 15 teams,” she added.
Other events at Ribfest include: live auction, silent auction, live music, pulled pork dinner, kids hamburger cookoff, corn hole tournament and the Go Goette 5K run/walk. Christy said the auctions will be more high profile this year.
The goal of Ribfest is to raise $40,000 for the Youth Club, which has served the community for many years. Christy said funds raised from Ribfest support programming offered for the 52 current members of the Youth Club. There are 12 staff members at the club.
In addition to programs, the money has also been used for two major building improvements, including a commercial grade playground ($20,000) and a new roof for the center ($55,000).
The center will also need a facelift at the front entry as wood is rotting, according to Christy. The entire building will be painted.
Security improvements are also needed at the center within the next year, Christy said. Mostly, the club would like to feature a gated center with secure keypads for the front and back doors, she noted.
The club would also like to get back to having a full-time director again. Besides working full time at a dental firm in Owatonna, Christy has been serving as interim director for the past year. She averages about 20 hours per week working for the club, both in person and remotely.
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BLOOMING PRAIRIE RIBFEST
What: Fundraiser for Blooming Prairie Youth Club
When: Saturday, July 29 at 4 p.m.
Where: Blooming Prairie Servicemen’s Club
Other: Goal is $40,000
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