3rd Annual Rock and Ribs
Written by Cory Brown
The combination of rock-n-roll and barbeque ribs plays second fiddle only to baseball and hotdogs when it comes to American pastimes.
Local radio station 97.5 WDCM-FM is hoping to use the right ingredients in teaming up with The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Technical College, the U.S. Open Commission, and The Marion Star to host the 3rd Annual Rock and Ribs Festival at the Marion campus on August 2nd.
The festival pits local restaurants against one another in an old-fashioned rib cook-off. A panel of celebrity judges will select the best ribs, with the winner receiving the coveted title of Marion’s Best Ribs. Those in attendance will also be able to vote for their favorite, with the winning restaurant taking home the People’s Choice Award. This year’s event will also feature a beer garden on campus, for those who wish to wash down their tasty barbequed ribs.
The battle of the bands highlights the event, with bands competing for the top prize. The prize includes $250, 10 hours of professional recording time at Jester’s Court Recording Studio, and a free spot at next year’s event.
The event is held in conjunction with the U.S. Open Commission, a charitable organization that promotes musical arts in the Marion schools and community. According to radiomarion.com, the short term goals of the U.S. Open Commission are to fund the radio station, retire old debts, and fund local scholarships and musical arts programs, while they hope to re-establish a musical competition and show, which began in Marion, OH in 1960s.
“If it weren’t for the U.S Open Commission,” Ray Reynolds, general manager of WDCM, says, “WDCM wouldn’t exist.”
Also, with “pay-to-play” fees skyrocketing in local schools, the U.S. Open Commission is looking to step in and help fix the problem.
“They are wonderful for our community and for the music programs of our local schools” Reynolds remarked.
The 3rd Annual Rock and Ribs is a triple threat: good food, good music, for a good cause. |
