St. Petersburg, Fla.- The smell of barbecue ribs roasting over open fires mingled with the salty sea air at Vinoy Park on the weekend of Nov. 8-10. Why were these aromas mingling, you ask? Rib Fest, one of the largest festivals in the Tampa Bay area.

Presented by Bright House Business Solutions and the Northeast Exchange Club, the event was open daily from 11 a.m. until late into the evening when the last song finished. Tickets were $20.00 per person, not including the cost of the actual ribs. The Great Explorations Children’s museum was also in attendance, providing a family fun zone from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9. Children were able to participate in mini putt putt golf, participate in a Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshop, and make arts and crafts.

As though conjured from a sleeping vegan’s nightmare, the 25th annual Rib Fest hosted booth after booth of barbecue ribs being licked by the smoking tongues of the fire pits and grills. Large pumps of barbecue sauce sat strategically placed among piles of napkins and large trash cans full of bones. In short, it was my carnivorous heaven. Freshly squeezed lemonade and all of the fair food favorites were also in attendance, but the main course in everyone’s hands were none other than ribs.

From near and far, rib vendors came to show what they offer. Vendors at the event included Aussom Aussie, of Sydney, Australia; Blazin’ Bronko, Cleveland, Ohio; Top Chop BBQ, Tampa; Fat Fred’s Famous BBQ, St. Petersburg; J&J Bar-B-Que, Bradenton; Johnson’s BBQ, Chesapeake, Va.; Just North of Memphis BBQ; and more.

Rib Fest was not only about fun and food. In the past, the Northeast Exchange Club has contributed over $3.5 million of proceeds from Rib Fest for the betterment of local causes such as All Children’s Hospital and Help-A-Child. They have also used funds on their own service projects to improve schools and programs for children.

As we enjoyed the sights and smells of Rib Fest, the sounds were enjoyable as well. Contrary to popular belief, Rib Fest was not just a festival of ribs and food, but a festival of music as well. On Friday, Nov. 8, REO Speedwagon graced the large stage that was set up on the inner ring of barbecue vendors. Saturday, Nov. 9, 90’s rock bands such as Gin Blossoms and Sister Hazel performed their hits, giving my inner 90s kid a reason to jump up and down with giddiness. Sunday, Nov. 10, Josh Thompson, Randy Houser, and Justin Moore gave country fans a reason to grab their ribs and line dance.

The days of Rib Fest had an undoubtedly “Southern” feeling to them. There were a few downsides to the event, including parking. Guests of the festival had to shark the parking lot for a leaving vehicle if they wanted to be anywhere near Vinoy park, otherwise parking was offered at very high rates in private lots– the long walking distance helped many burn off the ribs they consumed. Another gripe heard by many Rib Fest attendees was the intense heat in the concert and main rib area. Once outside of the main cooking and partying area, however, the temperature cooled considerably.

Rib Fest was a huge success. The atmosphere was very laid back, many people choose to sit by the water to hear the music and enjoy their ribs away from the heat of the open fires and grills. Passersby on boats stopped to enjoy the music in the bay, floating and waving to children sitting in the grass.

It was easy to see why people travel from as far as Orlando to come to Rib Fest, and why Rib Fest has become a Tampa Bay tradition.