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Ribfest kicks off; Johnson's BBQ gets Best of Show

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By JEFF KORBELIK and L. KENT WOLGAMOTT / GZO

Thursday, Aug 07, 2008 - 10:07:37 pm CDT

Dan Johnson made some phone calls that helped get the Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest off the ground 12 years ago and he’s been bringing his Johnson’s BBQ to Lincoln for 11 years.

But Johnson hadn’t won anything here until Thursday afternoon when he and his team picked up the Ground Zero Best of Show Award, earning them a banner, a trophy and a check for $1,000.

“I feel great,” Johnson said. “There’s nothing better than winning.”

Story Photo
Marie Haxby (left) ladles sauce onto an order of ribs as Craig Rolie cuts a rack into pieces in the Johnson's Bar-B-Que booth at Ribfest. Johnson's Bar-B-Que, from Chesapeake, Virginia, won the 2008 Best of Show award. (Gwyneth Roberts)

Related Media

Behind the scenes at Ribfest

We went behind the scenes at Desperado's BBQ and Rib Co. to get an up close look at delicious ribs in the making. (Anthony Roberts / JournalStar.com)...

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Johnson’s BBQ of Chesapeake, Va., received 70 out of 80 total points from the four judges, Ground Zero writers Jeff Korbelik, Michael McHale and L. Kent Wolgamott and contest winner Leonard Goeden, who got some help from his wife, Connie.

“They were all good — some a little better,” Goeden said. “It was a tough contest. Let’s put it that way.”

Desperado’s BBQ & Rib Co. of Hinckley, Ohio, and Howlin’ Coyote Southwestern BBQ of Chicago tied for second with 68 points and split the $500 prize. Porky N’ Beans finished in fourth with 67 points.

Goeden, 80, a retired service technician for a natural gas company, got to eat ribs from each of the eight vendors by correctly filling out the  BBQ 101 quiz that was the entry form for the Ground Zero contest.

“I’m always entering something or another,” he said. “My wife won a $900 refrigerator once. We’re not so lucky in keno.”

The ribs were judged on taste, sauce, texture and appearance with a maximum of five points for each category. All the judges had to eat a minimum of eight ribs, about 2/3rds of a slab. Some ate as many as 17.

Goeden said he’d had enough meat after an hour’s worth of chowing down on the St. Louis-cut pork ribs.

“I leave a little reserve for a beer,” he said, patting his belly.

Ribfest continued through 11 p.m. Thursday and was to get back in business at 11 a.m. Friday. The festival runs through Sunday.

The festival had its best Thursday lunch turnout ever, according to Pershing Center manager Tom Lorenz. And Pershing officials and the vendors expect more big crowds. He said he wasn't sure about the turnout Thursday night.

“I don’t know what the numbers were, but it’s good,” Lorenz said. “This is like an old Friday. I’m real happy.”

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com. Reach L. Kent Wolgamott at 473-7244 or kwolgamott@journalstar.com.


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ripoff fest wrote on August 7, 2008 11:44 am:
" We have plenty of local BBQ places in lincoln. Support local businesses, don't go to ribfest.

On my way into work today i passed by suckfest, no one was getting their smokers going. Ditto for 10 o'clock when i went out for break. What you are really getting is flash grilled meat with a super sugary sauce w/ lots of liquid smoke in it to cover up the fact it just grilled meat. For real bbq that doesn't need a cover up please go to a Lincoln bbq restarunt like bbq 4 u, paul's bbq, skeeter barnes, parkers rib ranch or buster's bbq. The upside to all these places is none of them charge admission or make you stand in line on the hot concrete waiting for over priced food while mediocre cover bands belt out songs you'de rather foget about.

Skip ripoff fest, get your bbq locally, or better yet, do it yourself. "

 Galen wrote on August 7, 2008 12:08 pm:
" Now we need a BEEF Ribfest for those of us who don't eat dead pig. "

 Kevin wrote on August 7, 2008 12:46 pm:
" Maybe the event draws 30,000 people...but I can't help wondering how many more they could get if they'd drop the ridiculous $3 admission price. "

 Lydia wrote on August 7, 2008 1:16 pm:
" Ripoff fest, some people go to this for the socialization. It's expensive, yes, however, it is an outing for the family. After all, there is not much else to do in this state, really. And Galen, I agree, not all of us eat pork products. "

 Jeff wrote on August 7, 2008 1:19 pm:
" Just ate at Rasta Joe's. The brisket is FANTASTIC!!!! Ribfest is once a year and a must event for rib lovers.

Already looking forward till tomorrow's lunch. "

 sticky fingers wrote on August 7, 2008 1:25 pm:
" I do support the local vendors - year round. But, it's nice to try something new every now and then. Just had half a rack from the Texas Rib Rangers....very good...the hot sauce was ok....but the regular BBQ sauce was outstanding. The beans could use some work (i mixed in some of the spicy bbq and it really kicked the flavor up...and the potato salad was good. meat was excellent...nearly fell off the bone and was in no way "flash grilled." I'd give them 3 out of 4 stars. "

 Truth Decay wrote on August 7, 2008 1:49 pm:
" "Ripoff Fest," I won't disagree with anything you said, except the part about "mediocre cover bands." While there may be some bland filler on the schedule, local bands playing their original material (like the Killigans) deserve our support. The Killigans are, by the way, one of the best bands to come out of Lincoln and are as far from being a mediocre cover band as you can get. Also, when kids from the Academy of Rock play, I'll listen and applaud even if they're playing stuff I wouldn't listen to at home; they deserve an enthusiastic crowd reaction for their hard work. They are, in fact, learning to play their own material so as not to offend audience members like yourself when they're older musicians.

You're right, supporting local business is important and I've given up on buying anything at all from the vendors. But your comment lumping all of the bands into one category was off the mark and undeserved. Let's support both local BBQ and local musicians. "

 Ridiculous wrote on August 7, 2008 1:58 pm:
" Why is it that all you people do is complain about EVERYTHING??? Ribfest is something that comes to Lincoln 4 days a year and is something different for people who like a variety of different BBQ. You can go to all the local places any day of the year. 100s of Lincolnites obviously enjoy it. So just quit complaining and don't go if you don't like it. "

 Rib Meat wrote on August 7, 2008 2:03 pm:
" yea Lincoln has BBQ places--they all stink, Nebraska does not know good BBQ. Go south people if you want good BBQ or better yet visit Rib fest to see what is really out there. "

 Darren wrote on August 7, 2008 2:10 pm:
" I prefer that when I get robbed at least someone is holding a gun and not a pair of tongs. I've smoked meat before and that's not what happens here. This is just an exercise in grilling and ripping off the public. "

 First timer wrote on August 7, 2008 2:35 pm:
" This is my first time at Ribfest. Yes, it costs $3.00 but that is less than a gallon of gas. It sounds like a fun night out with live music. I'm sorry ripoff fest, but we can support the locals throughout the year. This sounds like a fun night for something different. For those of you who have gone before, can you recommend which booth is best. Thanks "

 Pat wrote on August 7, 2008 2:39 pm:
" Good call, Lydia. Some people actually go to get out of their houses and do something fun. It probably brings in a little revenue for the city. Lincoln doesn't have a whole lot of events outside of Husker football games, so people like ripoff fest should stop complaining. If you don't like it, cook for yourself and sit around your house. It's probably what you're best at anyways. Just sit on your deck with your masterpiece meal and Busch Light, and leave the outside world alone. "

 joseph wrote on August 7, 2008 3:02 pm:
" it sure makes downtown stink worse than usually. hope the food it is better than the smell. "

 C wrote on August 7, 2008 3:07 pm:
" Apparently those who say the ribs are grilled don't understand the difference between grilling and barbecue or understanding anything about cooking ribs. Having ate the ribs, there is no way they are grilled. They are BBQ'ed which is low heat for a long time. If they were grilled they would be tough and chewy, but they are tender and fall off the bone. And most ribs are grilled a bit at the end to get them a bit crispy on the outside. (Depends on the person) Don't support ribfest because it is outsiders, where do you think most vendors at any event come from? I guess Lincoln should not host any concerts because the performers are outsiders, go listen to a local bands only right? Give me a break.

On a side note, some vendors did have beef ribs last year. Can't remember which one for sure though. "

 your wrong... wrote on August 7, 2008 3:12 pm:
" bbq4 u is great and so is Pauls. I have been down south("down south" to me is Georgia,Alabama,Miss) and their bbq stinks. KC has some great bbq! So does North Carolina and Memphis. But your crazy if you think bbq4 u stinks. "

 Jim wrote on August 7, 2008 3:43 pm:
" I've gone the past few years and it continues to be a huge ripoff. I'm from the country and there is nothing special about these people from out of state/country. There meat is old and often trucked in. We all know that Nebraska has the best beef and one of the top states in fresh pork. Why in the world would you go to this thing when all you have to do is buy a half or quarter of a cow or pig from a local small town meat locker and bbq it yourself?!?! It is SOOOOOOOO much better! The only thing that ribfest has going for it is a little music with your meal. Add the overpriced beer and you're down $30 per person easily with a few pork sandwiches and a few beers. I could have 10 friends over and serve them all with drinks for less than $100 total "

 AMS wrote on August 7, 2008 3:51 pm:
" to all that complain, 30,000 others do not think the same way you do. Those who want to have fun, come down and eat some of the nations best BBQ. Other wise go buy your pre-packaged frozen BBQ heat it in the microwave and stay at home, we do not want you fun haters around. "

 Ali wrote on August 7, 2008 3:54 pm:
" I can't wait to go. I need to get some real bbq, which means pork. Memphis Style. Beef bbq is tough and dry. "

 Going wrote on August 7, 2008 4:00 pm:
" First off, I do wonder WHY people complain about this? I agree with a couple other comments when they say if you don't like it, then don't go! It seems in this town, you're darned if you do and darned if you don't. For 4 days out of the year, people can do something a little different.

I plan on going and I don't care about the whole THREE dollar entry fee. Why should it be free anyway? I'd be paying more at a restaurant anyway. Lighten up people! "

 Husker wrote on August 7, 2008 4:33 pm:
" I dont particularly care for any of the Rib Fest stuff. BBQ ribs is not my favorite. I am concerned about the Rib Fest event getting too big in the future. The current eight vendors at Pershing Center are pushing facility resources to the max. It also creates traffic and parking progblems.
If they want to expand the number of vendors to 10 or 12, they will have to find another location. I would suggest the Lancaster County Event Center. The paved section where they put up the Midway for the county fair can be used by the vendors. The interior buildings can be used to serve the meals and have exhibits set up as well. Entertainment can be set up on a stage inside the building as well.
Ribfest organizers need to start thinking about the future if they want to hold bigger events. Thanks. LJK. "

 BBQ maker wrote on August 7, 2008 4:38 pm:
" My husband and I plan on attending this years festival, just to see the difference in all the BBQ styles. We raise our own beef and buy a half a hog and also make the best BBQ sauce our friends say they have ever ate. But I think going out and having a good time is what life is all about. Lighten up a little and go experience some different things! Everything costs too much these days. Go and live a little. "

 Great wrote on August 7, 2008 4:46 pm:
" This will be an enjoyable weekend going to ribfest. My family enjoys it, and the food is definitely good. (And I don't think certain people have 10 friends to invite over for $100. Complainers usually don't.)

All-in-all, thanks pork producers for putting this on!! "

 Promiscuous wrote on August 7, 2008 4:47 pm:
" I think that it is well worth the money if you are a single guy. There is nothing that turns these Nebraska girls on like beer, bbq and some country music! They should really look into a mechanical bull for next year. "

 IFR wrote on August 7, 2008 5:20 pm:
" price who cares, this is some good eating. In fact I plan on being there everyday this year. A little hint to those who are complaing about the adm. price of $3, go early it's free today and tomarrow and then stay as long as you want, but just remember have fun and enjoy the food, drink and bands. Those who do not like to have fun, stay home we do not want you here. "

 Oink Oink Oink wrote on August 7, 2008 7:00 pm:
" I bet those who complain about the ribfest have probably never been to Ribfest before. Check it out sometime. It's worth it! "

 Sheesh wrote on August 7, 2008 8:29 pm:
" Wow, what a bunch of whiners! Ribfest is a fun EVENT, not just a meal. It's about getting out of the house, socializing, hearing some good music, etc. Sure, I could go to a local BBQ place but it wouldn't have the same atmosphere. Eat at the local places 351 days of the year, leaving 4 days for Ribfest. I don't think that's too much to ask. Oh, and just like many others here have already mentioned, if you don't like Ribfest - don't go! I don't see what complaining about it is going to do. "

 Desperados wrote on August 7, 2008 8:58 pm:
" Desperados offers beef ribs, according to the video linked to the above article, for those wondering about who serves beef ribs. "

 Galen wrote on August 7, 2008 9:28 pm:
" Unfortunately, The Beef/Chicken that Desperado's (and others) serves is cooked on the same smoker/grill that the pork is, and at the same time. Not a complaint. It would just mean that I would not/could not eat it. I don't live in Lincoln, and never have attended ribfest (won't either...).
I love BBQ, but will stick to making my own.

You can keep the country music, too!LOL! "

 OBL wrote on August 7, 2008 10:22 pm:
" Husker great suggestion, in fact lets move it to the fair grounds, it will be empty soon. In all reality the Lancaster event center would be a great place, plenty of room to expand venders, park, sit, eat and listen to local bands. The downtowners couldnt complain about the smell. But wait what else would we do with Pershing center this is the only event that Pershing can bring in 30,000 people. oh well we all can dream. "

 hungry wrote on August 7, 2008 11:01 pm:
" Ribfest bores me....I plan on a good sushi restaurant this weekend. "

 twentythree wrote on August 7, 2008 11:05 pm:
" Keep complaining Lincoln! Maybe we can get it moved to Grand Island. "

 Sandpoint Rick wrote on August 7, 2008 11:06 pm:
" One of the things I miss about Lincoln is Ribfest........now having said that, come on out to North Idaho and try some of our world famous smoked moose ribs!..........now thats' funny right there! "

 Margaret wrote on August 7, 2008 11:38 pm:
" My comment: "It is what it is". Ribfest sells ribs. Gate fees are used for shelter (tents), cleanup, security, etc. You have the choice not to go. Personally, it is a family tradition to attend...will be for many years to come! "

 Honestly wrote on August 7, 2008 11:57 pm:
" I've been to Ribfest many times. The cover fee is annoying but not overly burdensome. The biggest problem for me is that I can make ribs as good as these guys at home. I'm a pretty good cook, so I can typically make something as good or better than what you typically get at a restaurant at home for half the price. Sorry ladies - I'm married. =) "

 Al wrote on August 8, 2008 12:15 am:
" This "event" should be banned. It is nothing more than the slaughter of helpless animals compounded with unneeded burning of fuels that add to the green house gasses choking Mother Earth. Walk downtown and all you can do is choke on the noxious fumes belched out by these smokers, all the while being reminded of the helpless animals whoe flseh now burns on the fires. "

 LP wrote on August 8, 2008 12:27 am:
" Ribfest bad. Save the Pigs. Eat veggies. "

 Rib Master wrote on August 8, 2008 3:10 am:
" I can't stop laughing at ripoff fest comments. Get a clue and don't be a hater just because there taking money from local businesses lol. I can eat at all the local joints all year. "

 JohnsonsNotGreat wrote on August 8, 2008 5:38 am:
" How did they win this? I have only been doing ribs for a year and could make ribs 10x better than those. Under cooked, little to no flavor and a pretty bland sauce, tasted like something you would get at McDonalds...If they won I am reconsidering going back to try the others "

 Hank wrote on August 8, 2008 5:57 am:
" For those of you who would like to learn how to cook like the pros, go to www.smokering.com You will find all the information and more there. "

 Lincolnite wrote on August 8, 2008 6:44 am:
" Come on Lincoln...let's just hope someone from City Council reads these things...There is NOTHING, I repeat...NOTHING to do in Lincoln aside from checking out a movie from the library, going to smelly Holmes Lake for 10 minutes or put blogs on the local newspaper articles. I have never been impressed by any of the events held here in Lincoln. Events are publicized highly, then when we get there, my reaction is always..."this is IT??" Aside from the ridiculous admission fees throughout, you can have just as much fun in your neighbor's backyard for free. The only real excitement around here is when the Lancaster County Fair is running...even then you have to come with AT LEAST $30-$50 so you can play games and ride the 100 year old rides until they malfunction or break. Seriously Lincoln...we need some help! "

 So Lincolnite wrote on August 8, 2008 7:31 am:
" It's the responsibility of the City Council to provide something to do in Lincoln? Really? You want the government to provide entertainment or "something" to do? But of course, don't raise taxes to do it, right?

All I have to say is OMG.

Thanks "Pork Producers" for putting on RibFest. It's greatly appreciated. And whenever Lincolnite puts on ANYTHING else I'll try to attend too. "

 ted wrote on August 8, 2008 7:40 am:
" The Rib Fest was great. If you did not buy the 5$ beers or sodas. or pay the outrages prices on the food that was pre made. The bands were very good. so Go and have a good time, but save your money and dont eat the food or buy there beers.. What a rip off, if I go again it would be only to listen to the bands.. "

 CS wrote on August 8, 2008 7:51 am:
" The government DOES provides a fine recreational program, that instill values, a sense of responsibility, AND the opportunity to get some exercise and travel. Just visit your local recruiter. Since ive already been there and done that, Ill take ribfest, thank you very much. "

 a matter of money wrote on August 8, 2008 8:30 am:
" I have to agree, ribfest is a rip off. Lets break down a trip to ribfest for a family of 4. We have mom, dad, little Timmy who is 9 and his sister Sally Sue who just turned 12.

First off, parking. Unless you pay for a monthly space you won't find free parking downtown, it doesn't exist. There is $5 for parking. Now on to Ribfest. Oops gotta pay to get in (how many restaruants charge adminssion?). So thats 3 people at $3 a head, $9. Before you have had a rib you out almost $15. I can't think of any BBQ joints in Lincoln that charge you $14 to walk in the door.

Now time to eat. Little Timmy and Sally Sue don't eat much, but they can't aggree on a side. So they order a BBQ pork sandwich and 2 sides for $10, plus a lemonaide each at $3 for a total of $16 (so far the total spent is $30). Mom isn't that hungry and gets a BBQ pork sandwich and a side of beans for $9, and a soda for $3, mom spends $12 for her meal. Dad has been working in the yard all day and has a big appetite. He goes to Rasta Ribs for a full rack, $33. And a beer, $5. Dads total is $38. So for a family of 4 you have just spent $80 to go to Ribfest.

But if you have an afternoon with not much to do you can smoke your own ribs or hunk of pork for a fraction of the cost. You can use your grill, gas or charcoal, you can get a box smoker, you can even use 2 flower pots. The meat is cheap, Sam's club has 2 pork shanks for $23-$24 dollars that will feed at least 15 people. Russ's Market is running a sale on all their meat, its $1.96 a pound for beef ribs according to the add in yesterdays LJS. "

 Pat wrote on August 8, 2008 8:47 am:
" Does anyone else find it a little odd that one of the articles on this website with the most comments is about food? I guess it shows where the passion of the people of Lincoln is most intense. Or maybe there's just nothing else going on in town. Look how much excitement the event has given both opponents and supporters. Too bad most people won't get this involved politically. "

 Pollyanna wrote on August 8, 2008 8:54 am:
" To the posters with the negative comments about ribfest – it’s time for a new attitude! Many summer experiences aren’t about ambiance and fine dining – summer is a time to adopt an adventurous spirit and try new things – be open minded! Go to a county fair or the farmers market or a small town festival. It won’t be the cheapest food or the most elegant setting, but it is the real world and if you approach it as an adventure, you will have fun. When the snow flies this winter, don’t regret that you stayed in your air conditioned house all summer and didn’t experience the diverse offerings you can find here in the Midwest. "

 Meat Lover wrote on August 8, 2008 9:13 am:
" These comments are cracking me up, especially the one about the poor helpless animals. Why do you think those animals exist here on Earth?? It's for us to eat. DUH! Part of a balanced diet includes meat and protein. And for those of you whining about the admission, go from 11-2 on Friday and you can get in free with the donation of an item for the food bank (at least I think that's what I heard on the radio last night). "

 Nic F wrote on August 8, 2008 12:06 pm:
" this is meat country you're in! I personally like Ribfest. I'm going in about 10 minutes with a can of $.25 food and I'll get in free. Why do you people always find something negative to say about everything...no wonder this world has so many problems, you people can't think positive for even a second. "

 dish wrote on August 8, 2008 12:15 pm:
" Dear Lincolnite........There is nothing to do in Lincoln? I beg to differ. Hmmmm... lets see, my guess is you have probably never lived anywhere else and really have no frame of reference. Let me make this easy on you, my suggestions include... go to the Ross or Grand and catch a film, go to Sheldon Museum of Art (one of the best american art collections of any university) or one of the other many locally owned galleries with great collections, go to pioneers park and enjoy nature, depending on the time of year go to jazz or movie on the green, go to a saltdogs game, the famous zoo bar has live music every night, go for a bike ride (Lincoln has been considered one of the top "bike friendly" cities with plenty of trails, or just keep compaining until your face turns red.

also, isn't it funny that everyone can make ribs better than the pros? Next year feel free to set up a booth and wow us lincolnites with your culinary exlellence. "

 I dont want to... wrote on August 8, 2008 2:12 pm:
" sound negative but I just got back from ribfest and the rips were average at best. I would enter next year but I am not going to spend thousands of dollars on something that won't give me a return. And yes I could cook better ribs. Ribfest is indeed something to do but it is a rip off for the quality of food. "

 Mom of a K.C. competitor wrote on August 8, 2008 2:14 pm:
" The best BBQ you can get is from a BBQ competitor. That's outstanding BBQ. A vendor is different than a competitor, a competitor uses a smoker, charcoal or pellets and loses nearly 24 hours of sleep to cook for a competition. You can't feed 30,000 people real BBQ in a 2 to 3 day period in a small space and do it right. My son lives in K.C.and has won titles of reserve and grand champion at these competitions. "

 Late ODay wrote on August 9, 2008 2:30 pm:
" I just got back from Ribfest. There was a panhandler sitting across the street, pounding semi-rhythmically on a make-shift bongo. He sounded a helluva lot better than the stage act, which seemed to be an unholy mixture of bass, distortion and volume. I bought my ribs from the farthest possible vendor and left as quickly as possible. Oh, and the ribs were mediocre; had to wrestle the meat off the bone. Probably needed more cokking time. The sauce was nice. Next time maybe I'll just buy a bottle and make my own. "

 Reasons not to go wrote on August 9, 2008 4:44 pm:
" I would like to go to ribfest but being from out of town, the parking and fees keep me away. Why dont you move it to the Event Center? Then who cares what the temp is outside? or if its raining? Plus, get rid of the Fee to get in, that keeps families away. "

 Guidohawk wrote on August 11, 2008 4:26 pm:
" Why all the bitterness? Half the comments I read left a worse taste in my mouth than burnt barbecue. You don't like it - don't go. And if you go somewhere to actually be entertained, entertainment, regardless of the bands being complained about (didn't notice extra charges for the FREE music), maybe it's you and the company you're with. Lighten up and have fun like most of the people I saw there. Every have a convo with a guy you just met about his trip from Col. just for the atmosphere? 30,000+ people can't be wrong. See you next year! "

 Guidohawk wrote on August 11, 2008 4:35 pm:
" p.s. I'll go back, I'll pay to park, I'll pay the $3+ to get in, I'll eat the barbecue, I'll drink the beer, I'll talk to strangers, I'll stay too late, I'll listen to bands, and I hope that 99.5% of the people there were having as much fun as I had. (You, the lady w/the police escort, you know who you are.) Complainers/.5%: stay home next year; everybody else - see you there! "

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