Going Places on a Gallon
Sticky hands. Fingers and mouths covered in barbecue sauce. Smoke from the grills and country music wafting through the air. There all part of the annual Hudson Valley RibFest at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz.
The event, typically held the third weekend in August, draws about 14,000 people over three days. It was started 15 years ago by the Highland Rotary Club and supported by nearly four dozen sponsors and 300 volunteers from other nonprofit organizations.
Claire Costantino, a member of the Highland Rotary, explained how it got started. She said a member pitched the idea after attending a rib festival in New Hampshire. The other members bought into it, but the first event was a learning experience compared to the current ribfests.
“We’ve become pretty professional since then, even though we’re all volunteers,” Costantino said. “Many of us have been doing the same jobs. We know what our duties are. We try to bring in new members so they can get trained and be able to assist.”
The event has grown since the original, offering a handful of food vendors, about 60 craft vendors, and musical entertainment throughout the weekend. The festival also boasts about 60 competitors in the BBQ and grilling competitions. Costantino said the numbers are up from about 25 vendors and 35 competitors at the first event.
The biggest draws are the rib vendors who sell ribs, pulled pork, grilled corn on the cob, cornbread, mac & cheese, and more. Two have been mainstays at the festival since the beginning. Another two have been there for the last three or four years.
It’s not uncommon to wait on a long line to sample ribs which just fall off the bone without really taking a bite. The best strategy is to go with a partner and each stand on a separate line. The fun is being able to try a little bit from each vendor. Not only do their grilling styles differ, but they also offer a variety of barbecue sauces.
Although their meat isn’t available for sale, guests may watch the Kansas City sanctioned barbecue and the New England grilling contest. Contestants cook chicken, ribs, and brisket. The competition is timed and graded through a blind test. A panel of five to six judges will score each entry based on presentation, taste, and firmness/bite.
The event also has crafts and activities for kids.
The Highland Rotary Club gives a portion of the net proceeds to the organizations that helped them. The balance of the money is used to support Rotary’s efforts in the community. The club donates food to local pantries, assists families in need, and supports international projects.
“Rotary is all about service above self,” said Costantino.