2009 Madison Ribberfest
Watson
among entertainers
at Madison Ribberfest Blues Bash
Pro,
amateur cooking competitions
part of annual event
Staff
Report
(August 2009) – Blues singer Junior Watson will
headline the Blues Bash at this year’s Madison Ribberfest, scheduled
for Aug. 21-22 at Madison, Ind.’s Bicentennial Park on the riverfront.
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This will be the eighth annual Ribberfest, which in addition
to blues music over two days features pro and amateur division cooking
competitions. There is also a children’s cooking contest in two
ages groups: 8-11 and 12-15.
A balloon glow is planned for 9:30 p.m. Friday. Balloons will be lighted
across the Ohio River on the Milton, Ky., riverbank in full view from
the festival grounds. Two hare-and-hound hot air balloon races are scheduled
for Saturday, at 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Other events include the Piglet Pen children’s play area, the Pigmania
concrete pig decorating contest voting and a Good to the Bone rib-eating
contest.
The winner of the Kansas City Barbeque-sanctioned pro cooking contest
will earn the Indiana State Championship trophy and advance to the KCBS
national competition in the fall in Kansas City, Mo. The entry fee is
$250 per team. The Backyard Barbeque Blast for amateur teams takes place
Friday night. Entry fee is $25 per team.
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Photo
provided Blues
singer Junior |
New this year will be a laser light show, scheduled for
9:30 p.m. both nights, according to festival coordinator Kathy Ayers.
The first ever laser light show in Madison took place June 13 on the
Madison hilltop as part of the Madison Bicentennial celebration. It
was considered a hit with spectators, so the Ribberfest Committee decided
to add it to the lineup.
Joining Watson on the Blues Bash stage Saturday night will be The Hollywood
Blue Flames. Other singers scheduled to perform include Watermelon Slim,
Ronnie Baker Brooks; Rev. Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys;
Hellfish; and local band Stompbox. Friday’s lineup features The
Calvin Owens Band, Ruthie Foster and Robben Ford.
Learn more about these bands and featured cooking teams in the RoundAbout’s
Madison Rib-berfest Guide, due out on newstands in mid-August.
Admission wristbands for this year’s festival are on sale at many
locations throughout town, and at the Madison Area Conven-tion and Visitors
Bu-reau.
Wristbands purchased through Aug. 1 are $20 for both days and include
$10 in food and beverage tickets. After Aug. 1, wristbands are $20 but
with no tickets. Friday only admission is $10; Saturday only admission
is $15. Children ages 12 and under are free with an adult.
Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed but no coolers, food, beverages,
pets, skateboards, bikes, rollerblades, umbrellas or canopies. Also
video and audio recording devices are not allowed.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.
• For more information, call the Madison CVB office at (812) 265-2956 or visit: www.MadisonRibberfest.com