Summer Weekend Getaways: 8th Annual Hudson Valley RibFest Coming Up

Looking for a summer weekend getaway? Here's one that's not too far away and will have plenty for you to eat when you arrive.

The eighth annual Hudson Valley RibFest will return Aug. 18-19 to the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz for another year as the area’s largest and most unique barbecue food event.

“RibFest is a wonderful, fun-filled annual event held in Ulster County.  People come from all around to experience the great food and entertainment,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “It truly offers something for everyone. This year’s RibFest is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet.”

The festival, which is open to the public, will include a variety of food vendors, grilling contests and live music and entertainment. It will also feature 50 teams competing for the title of Empire State Barbecue Champion, with thousands of hungry spectators looking on. Teams will compete in four different categories, including chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket and pork butt and shoulder.

For attendees, the festival will host a wide range of BBQ vendors, as well as those offering hot dogs, hamburgers, roasted corn, nuts and other treats. Several entertainers, including bands like Exit 19, Thunder Ridge and Chain Gang, will appear on both days of the event. Various demonstration booths will also be located throughout the Ulster County Fairgrounds.

Saturday, Aug. 18 also marks the New England Barbecue Society Grilling Contest. Teams will compete in four different categories: pizza, chicken wings, salmon and apple desert. RibFest attendees are encouraged to come watch these master grillers as they prepare their best entrees for judging by the New England Barbecue Society.

“RibFest continues to grow each year,” said Richard J. Remsnyder, director of Ulster County Tourism. “This event’s family-friendly atmosphere, outstanding food and enjoyable entertainment make it a priority stop for everyone in the region, especially those who love BBQ, as well as for local families who make it a yearly tradition.”

RibFest will take place at Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road in New Paltz. Admission to RibFest is $5 and includes parking, musical entertainment, entry to the contest areas and free re-entry. For more information, contest rules or other event details, please visit http://www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org.

Also coming up....

SmashMouth plays Provident Bank Park in Pomona on Friday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the 2012 Summer Concert Series!  Known for hits like "Walkin' on the Sun," "All Star," and a cover of the Monkees' hit, "I'm A Believer," "Can't Get Enough of You Baby," and many more, indie rock band Smashmouth's set will feature hits from their smash album, "Astro Lounge." Featuring Special Guest and Grammy Award winning rock band, Soul Asylum, known for their smash hit, "Runaway Train."

For tickets and more information visit www.rocklandboulders.com or call (845) 364-0009.