Championship BBQ competition and blues highlight Madison's 22nd Annual Ribberfest

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 22nd annual Ribberfest returns to Madison, Indiana, this weened.

The festival along the Ohio River in Madison pits professional BBQ teams against each other to battle in the Indiana State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and includes amateur competitors and a Kidz-Q competition of future pitmasters.

This year's festival will be Curtis Chatham's first time cooking in Ribberfest. He is entered in every cooking category — from ribs and chicken to brisket and tacos.

"Honestly, we're just coming down to have a good time and hang out, meet some people and finish at least 51st since there's 52 teams, so we don't want to be last," Chatham joked.

Ribberfest also includes a Blues Bash. Friday night kicks off with Brandon Santini, followed by the return of Eric Gales, and headliner ANA Popovic.

On Saturday, catch the local talent of the Jordan Wilson Coalition in between sets, and music starting at 11:30 a.m. with The King Bee & the Stingers, The Sonny Moorman, Shawn Holt & The Teardrops, Ally Venable, and Sugaray Rayford, all leading up to headliner Mr. Sipp.

Ribberfest is Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17. Tickets are $50 for both days. Kids 12 and under can get in for free with a paid adult. To find out more, go to MadisonRibberFest.com.

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