juicy ribs! tasty wings! it’s gatlinburg’s 7th annual ribfest & wings

Come out and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities and a hot wing eating contest, each promising a lip-smackin’ good time!

This year’s event returns to the Aquarium area with the entertainment menu spiced up by the return of the Beat Daddys, featuring their soulful rock ‘n roll blues.

Awards will be presented to the best ribs or wings in six categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” chosen by popular vote.

 “We think this will be our best Ribfest & Wings extravaganza ever,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism.

An armband for Ribfest & Wings may be purchased for $12 that allows sampling as long as the ribs and wings last.

Hot wing eating contests sponsored by Pepper Palace and Ripley’s Entertainment will take place at 5 p.m. and will feature sauces such as “The Hottest Sauce in the World,” “Ring of Fire,” “Sweatin’ in the Smokies,” and “Death by Wings.” Prizes will be awarded to the “Hot Wing Eating Contest Champion of the Year.” See if you can handle it!

Confirmed vendors include Ripley’s Aquarium  of the Smokies, TGI Fridays, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Bar, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Hogg’s & Honey’s Saloon & Grill, Corky’s BBQ, The Garden Plaza, West Gate Resort, Gatlinburg Elks Lodge, Gatlinburg Police Department and the Gatlinburg Fire Department.

To enter your recipe as a vendor and compete for awards in categories including restaurant, lodging, attraction, retail, financial institution, public safety and civic organization, call the Office of Special Events at 436-0506.

A portion of the proceeds benefit Gatlinburg Lodging & Hotel Association’s educational scholarship fund.

The 7^th Annual Ribfest & Wings is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Star 102.1, Food City, AT&T, Twin Islands Motel and Hard Rock Café.

For more information about Ribfest & Wings and other Springfest events, visit www.gatlinburg.com or call 436-4178 for mountains of information.