Bay City's annual Labadie Pig Gig soon will be serving up thousands of ribs -- and this year, tunes by American Idol winner Taylor Hicks.
The
18th annual national Rib Championship Cook-off is presented by State Farm, and will take place from Aug. 5–8 at Veteran's Memorial Park in Bay City. This year, there will be 10 national teams competing for the People's Choice Award, given to the team that wins over the most taste buds at the event.
The cook-off draws competitors as far away as Australia and from all over the United States, says Wendy Dore, organizer of the event. There are ribs for every taste bud too -- Memphis-style hot, spicy brown sauce, and ribs with rubs.
People "will have the best ribs they've ever had in their lives," Dore says.
This year, music by 2006 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will be served up to rib eaters on Saturday night. Also featured at the event will be Patty Smyth & Scandel, the Aerosmith tribute band Toys in the Attic, Candlebox, and Gloriana.
Last year's event drew about 50,000 people to the area, Dore says. People stay in the area hotels, shop downtown, dock their boats, and stay for the weekend.
"There's a huge economic impact" for Bay City and the region, she says.
The event also raises a lot of money for local children's charities, Dore says. In the years since it started, the Pig Gig has raised more than $800,000 for local charities. This year, $2,000 in prize money will be given away in a raffle called When Pigs Fly.
This year's event also will feature a 5K, a pig race, a dog show, and other attractions.
Weekend passes are $18, tickets at the gate are $10, and children under 12 get in for free. For more information, visit the Labadie Pig Gig
website.
Writer: Jenny Cromie
Source: Labadie Pig Gig, Wendy Dore
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