Smokin' Joe's hauled in three of the top five awards at the Sarnia Kinsmen Club's Ribfest in Centennial Park.
Judges, including Blackburn Radio's Lee Michaels, Max Major and Matt Sampaio, decided that Smokin' Joe's served up the best ribs and best overall. Fat Albert was awarded the trophies for best sauce and best chicken. The People's Choice Award, decided by the public, was also won by Smokin' Joe's.
Kinsmen Club spokesman Jack Struck was overwhelmed by the support for the event that turned out to be a sizzling success with ideal weather both Saturday and Sunday.
"Despite the weather Friday, we had between 7,000 and 8,000 people turn out," says Struck. "And on Saturday night we were absolutely packed. We estimate between 18,000 and 20,000 people packed the park. We ran out of beer and had to scramble to the Beer Store to get more."
The event was held in Centennial Park for more than a decade before soil contamination forced a move to Hiawatha Horse Park in 2013.
The Kinsmen hope to raise enough to get a big marching band for next year’s Canada Day Parade.
“We can’t thank the public enough,” says Struck. “The ribbers, the vendors and the musicians, and parks and rec, they all should be thanked for making our Ribfest a success."
A total attendance number won't be known until later in the week.
