History

IN 1998, after two years of research and study, the John-Morrell-Sioux Empire RibFest was produced in parking lot "C" of the SIoux Falls Arena and Convention Center Complex. Consisting of Sioux Falls Arena staff members, the Ribfest committee looked to fill a void in the eastern South Dakota festival landscape. A BBQ festival that featured live entertainment, kids activities, giveaways, promotions and family fun seemed to be the answer. In its first year, the RibFest attracted just over 16,000 fans and hosted a wide variety of local and regional entertainment - including Indigenous, the South Dakota based band which had just signed a national recording contract. Despite less-than-favorable weather throughout the event, festival organizers quickly realized that the RibFestwould outgrow its current location. The following year, RibFest was moved to its current home in the much larger parking lot "E" of the complex.

First and foremost a food festival, RibFest is known for award-winning barbeque. Ribs, chicken, beef and all the sides produced by the world famous BBQ vendors. These entrepeneurs spend their lives traveling the world from cook off to cook off. They pride themselves on their recipes for BBQ, sauces, beans, coleslaw and all of the little things that make an outdoor picnic fun and exciting. Showmanship is a big part of the life these chefs lead. From the thirty-foot high banners and flags, to the inflatable cowboys and characters that decorate their booths, these cooks know how to put on a show. Their workers are constantly interacting with those trying to make decisions on whether to have a rib sampler or a sandwich. They make jokes, dress in themed attire and place stickers on new customers with their company logos/themes (such as "Lick My Ribs" and "I Got Sauced"). Make no mistake, these guys are in the entertainment business and know how to have fun. At RibFest, the BBQ vendors actually compete for prize money. Each festival attendee recieves a voting ballot in which they choose their favorite vendor - based not only on quality of food and service, but showmanship as well.

In addition to the world's best BBQ, RibFest also features the best soft drinks, funnel cakes, potatoes, ice cream and other snack foods that kids of all ages love. These vendors also travel the country working many fairs and festivals. Their expertise, experience and showmanship also add an additional element to RibFest.

Over the last six years, RibFest attendance and prominence has increased steadily. In 1999, the second year of the event, attendance grew to 23,000. Over the next two years, 2000 and 2001, the number of festivalgoers grew to over 29,000. This popularity forced the festival committee to consider how to keep the event growing in other ways. By adding an additional day to the event, the RibFest became a four-day event, starting on Thursday evening and extended to Sunday evening. That format continues into 2007. With the support of a new title sponsor, the Argus Leader, and thanks to an expanded entertainment lineup, the addition of the fourth day, and a brand new KidzFest area - featuring clowns, face painting, interactive activities, inflatable attractions, rides and other giveaways and features - RibFest continues to break attendance records and claim its place among the largest events in the region.