Annual Rib Fest Supports More Miracles at Golisano Children's Hospital

Nationally-ranked BBQ’ers from across the country will try to scorch their competition this Memorial Day weekend at the eighth annual Roc City Rib Fest at Genesee Valley Park. While competition is always good, the real reward is that a portion of ticket sales supports sick and injured children at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital. Since its inception in 2008, the event has raised more than $79,000 for the region’s only children’s hospital.

Hungry patrons will fill the north side of the Park from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 22, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, May 23 to Monday, May 25. Tickets are available at the main entrance and are $5 for adults and free for kids under the age of 12.

The four-day festival, sponsored by Good Smoke BBQ, promises a long weekend of fun for the whole family. In addition to sampling BBQ from local and national vendors, attendees can watch some of the best compete for the champion title. The Rochester tradition is comprised of five different BBQ competitions, including the Kansas City Barbeque Society Competition (KCBS). The winner of the KCBS will have the chance to compete in the Jack Daniels BBQ contest, considered the World Championship of BBQ.

“Roc City Rib Fest is excited to be back at Genesee Valley Park this Memorial Day weekend to kick-off the summer right,” said Tara Gregson, Rib Fest marketing director. “With the great support of our partners and the local community, our festival continues to provide family-friendly entertainment while giving back to a great cause.”

In addition to enjoying delicious food, guests can also listen to live music from more than a dozen bands and kids can play in a “Fun Zone,” complete with face painting and a playground.

Last year’s inaugural Food Truck Throwdown was such a hit that the Rib Fest organizers are bringing it back Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. The Throwdown pits Rochester’s best Food Trucks against each other, letting festival goers decide the ultimate champion by vote. Winners will be announced at about 8:30 p.m. that evening at the Roundhouse Pavilion. Bento Box was last year’s victor.

“Organizers of the Rib Fest are dedicated to supporting our local community, especially children,” said Stephanie Sheets, assistant director of community fundraising at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “We greatly appreciate that the Rib Fest, a fun-filled festival with great food and music, continues to support our patients and families at Golisano Children’s Hospital.”