Berea National Rib Cook Off: Where Clevelanders go hog wild!
Ahhhhhhh! Can you smell it? Rich hickory smoke and the savory scent of meaty ribs sizzling on the hot grill: it's the unofficial beginning of summer in Cleveland, and boy, does it smell good.
Each Memorial Day weekend, the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds transforms into a carnivorous carnival of culinary creativity as local vendors bring out their secret sauces and remarkable rubs to slather on racks of ribs so superb that they literally fall off the bones. From sweet St. Louis-style slabs to sauced-up Memphis masterpieces, the Berea National Rib Cookoff is a favorite for meat lovers everywhere.
Of course, the Berea National Rib Cookoff isn't just about ribs, though. After all, what good are the perfect ribs without the perfect entertainment to accompany them? Live music from acts like Lawless, Dashboard Lights, The Breakfast Club, The Spazmatics, The Curve and The Clayton Brothers are all taking place at this year's event.
Stop in on Friday, May 28 for Bike Night. Cruise in on your Harley and enjoy your favorite vendor's meaty goods and a big frosty mug of your brew of choice. Bikers get to park for free inside the main midway on Bike Night, and admission to the Cookoff is free on the 28th for everybody.
Miss Berea Princess gets crowned on the afternoon of Saturday, May 29. Watch local talented girls strut their stuff on the main stage as they compete for the crown. In the evening, Lawless takes the stage for Cleveland Country Night.
Sunday, May 30 is Sauce, Sixties and Soul Night. Music sensation Shout will be on hand to provide a hearty helping of doo-wop alongside your ribs, slaw and brew. Aftermath takes the stage later that night, performing your favorite '60s tunes from favorites like The Byrds, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Doors. A classic car cruise-in takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., so bring your vintage vehicles for some real nostalgic fun.
In addition to live music, arts and crafts vendors will line the midway so that attendees can get a healthy dose of shopping in, too. Children's activities like a rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncing houses and even a mechanical bull will keep the little ones busy for hours. Kids under 12 are admitted to the Berea National Rib Cook off for FREE all weekend long.
Admission to the Berea National Rib Cookoff is just $5. Admission on Friday, May 28 is free all day. Ample free parking is available on site.
The Berea Rib Cookoff takes place on Friday, May 28 from Noon 'til 11 p.m.; Saturday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit the Berea National Rib Cookoff website.
Posted by LeeAnn Mullen
