Next month’s Wabash Ribberfest will have a decidedly different look from those in recent years. Gone is Ribberfest’s affiliation with the Kansas City Barbeque Society and in its’ place is an expanded backyard competition. Organizer Terry Beckerman told the city council last night that it’s hoped 28 backyard teams will fill the 300 and 400 blocks of Market Streets. Beckerman said while the big KCBS cooking teams will no longer be a part of Ribberfest, food vendors will still be plentiful for the April 27th and 28th event. Another offshoot of the scaled down festival is that Market Street won’t be closed until 11:00 Friday morning the 27th for setup. Despite the changes, the Kiwanis Cannonball Downhill Derby will still be a part of Ribberfest. The Wabash County Senior Citizens could be the biggest winner of Ribberfest weekend as Beckerman said $50 from each of the backyard competitor’s entry fees will be donated to the center. Coupled with other donations, Beckerman said Ribberfest has the potential to generate thousands of dollars for the senior center.
Wabash Ribberfest organizer Terry Beckerman updates the City Council on next month's event.