A juicy, dribbly day at the Rhythm and Ribs

OTTAWA - Pardon the pun, but the Tri State Rhythm and Ribs Fest is an event with some meat on its bones.

Between various food and rib vendors, rides for kids, wiener dog races, a 5K run and live entertainment, adults and children would be hard pressed to do, see, listen to and taste everything, said Ribs Fest chairman Terry Klass.

"There is something for everyone to do most of the day, whether you're 5 years old or 95," he said. "That's been the plan for years."

As the name suggests, ribs are the central draw at the festival, Klass said. This year will feature five different regional vendors, including Ottawa businesses Red Pig Inn and JT Express. Rib fans can purchase racks or portions of racks from each vendor, as well as vote for a "People's Choice" award to be awarded later.

"People are very focused on voting for their favorite ribs," Klass said. "I would say quite a good number participate in the voting process."

Outside of the festival's namesake, other attractions should satisfy their craving for entertainment. Kids will get a kick out of multiple rides for pint-sized people, Klass said, which they can ride for $5 all day-long. For music fans, the event has partnered with radio station 102.1-FM to host an installment of "Country Star Play-Offs," an "American Idol"-style competition with music provided by the band Exploit.

In other entertainment, Magician Andrew Martin keep them wowing, as will the goofy fun that is the annual wiener dog race.

"That has really been a big hit," Klass said. "Kids and adults fill the grandstands to watch them."

After the kids are tuckered out, parents can drop them off at home and come back for the more adult-themed evening, Klass said. There will be alcoholic beverages sold throughout the day (and for those who maybe had a little too much fun, the event will offer free cab service beginning at 10 p.m.). Headlining the musical entertainment, Nashville group Mustang Sally returns to the event for a second-year running.

"They were awesome (last year)," Klass said. "They're a very entertaining band. They were right out in the crowd participating with people."

Tri State Rhythm and Ribs Fest 2008

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. Saturday

WHERE: The Putnam County Fairgrounds, Ottawa

COST: $5 admission, free for veterans and kids 12 and under. $5 for all day kids' rides pass.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.ottawaribfest.com for details.

Event highlights

10 a.m.: 5K Fun Run (9 a.m. registration)

11 a.m.: 4 Deuces car show

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Mechanical bull

2 p.m.: Cornhole tournament (noon registration)

2 p.m.: Magician Andrew Martin

2 p.m.: "Country Star" playoffs

3 p.m.: Wiener dog races

5:30 p.m.: Rib-eating contest

8 p.m.: Rib awards

9 p.m.: Mustang Sally