GATLINBURG – Ribfest & Wings is moving to the Gatlinburg Parkway for a full-fledged Street Fair on Thursday, April 23.
Gatlinburg’s 8th Annual Ribfest & Wings festival will feature extended hours (4 to 10 p.m., with food sampling starting at 6) and loads of atmosphere as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair between Traffic Light 6 and Riverside Motor Lodge/Reagan Terrace Mall.
Come out and enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, two hot wing eating contests and an ice cream eating contest, each promising a wonderfully good time! The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will also be part of the fun.
This year’s event features a mixture of entertainment, spiced up by the smooth Motown music of The Tams, the return of the Beat Daddys featuring their soulful rock ‘n roll blues, and the funky rhythm and blues of Dishwater Blonde on the main stage, supplemented by strolling musicians and a second stage featuring local favorites and familiar sounds of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales performers.
A panel will judge and award the best ribs or wings in seven categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” chosen by popular vote.
Hot wing eating contests sponsored by All Sauced Up will take place at 5 and 7 p.m. and feature wings prepared in sauces such as “Blazing Bomb,” “Fire Pit Hell,” “Treacherous Tongue,” “Scorching Screaming” and “Next Day Disaster.” Prizes will be awarded to the “Hot Wing Eating Contest Champion of the Year.” See if you can handle it!
Ben & Jerry’s will host the ice cream eating contest at 9 p.m. to help wrap up the evening of fun and festivities.
“We think this will be our best Ribfest & Wings extravaganza ever,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism. “The Parkway is such an exciting and unique venue.”
An armband for Ribfest & Wings may be purchased for $12 (or $5 for kids) that allows sampling until 9 p.m. or as long as the ribs and wings last.
Confirmed vendors include All Sauced Up, Brass Lantern Grill, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Chefdawg Catering, Corkys BBQ, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Bar, Gatlinburg Elks Lodge, Gatlinburg Fire Dept, Gatlinburg Police Department, Hellbender Grill, Hogg’s & Honey’s Saloon & Grill, Lineberger’s Seafood Restaurant, McCutchan’s Brass Grill, Ripley’s Aquarium of Smokies, Texas Roadhouse and TGI Fridays.
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 Hospitality Association’s educational scholarship fund.
The 8th Annual Ribfest & Wings is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Star 102.1, Food City, Best Western Twin Islands Motel and Hard Rock Café.
For more information about Ribfest & Wings and other Gatlinburg Springfest events, visit www.gatlinburg.com or call 436-4178.