A smoky barbecue aroma filled the air at Wheeling's Heritage Port Friday afternoon as the third annual Bikes, Brews and Barbecue Rib Cook-Off had vendors serving up a variety of ribs, chicken and more.
The event continues today and runs through Sunday and includes a variety of food vendors competing in a cook-off competition. It also has live musical entertainment performing at the center stage area of the port and a variety of arts and crafts vendors.
There is a designated area for the parking of motorcycles. Winners of the rib cook-off competition are expected to be announced at 5:30 p.m. today.
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Photo by Scott McCloskey
Nathan Johnson of Wheeling enjoys a pulled pork sandwich Friday during the Bikes, Brews and Barbecue Rib Cook-Off that continues today at Wheeling’s Heritage Port.
Despite a brief noon rain shower everything seemed to be moving along smoothly with participating vendors, according to Cook-Off Chairman Bill Brooks.
"They are rolling, the grills are hot ... and everybody is getting happy," Brooks said.
He noted the event is "a celebration of all cultures'' and Sunday organizers will bring out gospel music during the Ohio Valley Black Heritage Festival's Family Fun Day at the port.
First-time participant Jeanne Rose of Jeanne's Bourbon Street BBQ, Martins Ferry, said she is looking forward to a "great weekend."
"We've got great entertainers coming in. There's a really nice variety of vendors here and I think the crowd is going to come out and enjoy a really great event," said Rose while preparing food in her large vendor trailer.
The event is a collaboration of Valley Harley-Davidson, Carenbauer Distributing and the committee of the Ohio Valley Black Heritage Festival.
Today's entertainment begins at 3 p.m. Scheduled acts for this year's event include: The New Silver Eagle Band, Mark Gorby Trio, Country Variety Band, Loretta & Elli, The Joseph Sisters, White Collar Criminals, N-Soul Deep, Hot Pursuit Band and The Rock featuring Jenny Radigan.
