Get ready for Big Knob BBQ & Brew Fest showcasing top ribs & local beers in Beaver County

NEW SEWICKLEY TWP. ― Big Knob Grange Fairgrounds will host a brand-new, nationally sanctioned barbecue contest.

And there shall be local craft beer and wine.

The Big Knob BBQ & Brew Fest happens 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 25.

Rib vendors from Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia already registered to compete in the rookie event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the largest society of barbeque enthusiasts in the world.

"Simply put, KCBS is the biggest and best in barbeque," Dave Stang, event organizer and Big Knob Grange board member, put on the event's website, bkgbbq.org.

"Our vision is to reward the community with a celebration of good food and good beer by showcasing barbecue competitors, local food and local breweries all to raise money for the Big Knob Grange community service beneficiaries below."

Sanctioned judges will travel from all over the country to cast ballots proclaiming the event's winner.

The general public can purchase ribs from competitors that are appropriately licensed and selling, including local vendors Papa Wood BBQ and E&K BBQ.

That part of admission is free, and also includes the Big Knob Antique Tractor and Equipment Association hosting a derby pull starting at 9 a.m. at the fairgrounds.

The public also can enjoy the ticketed Brewfest, which features live music by Beaver County rock band James Tobin & The Dewey Decimators.

The Brewfest will take place in the steel building located on the fairgrounds. Tickets will be sold for $25 at bkgbbq.org, which includes a souvenir mug and a wristband to sample the unique flavors Beaver Valley breweries are bringing to our area. Sampling will be provided by all attending breweries and wineries, including Harkins Mill Wines of Ambridge. Full pour drafts will be available for purchase.

Proceeds from the Brew Fest will be donated to the Big Knob Grange community service beneficiaries, Rural Minds, which provides potentially life-saving mental health information to rural residents, and Tunnels to Towers, which provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children.

While a fresh idea to some, a rib and beer fest fits the mission of the Big Knob Grange, best known for its annual farm-themed fair in late summer.

"The Big Knob Grange is rooted in agriculture," the Big Knob BBQ & Brew Fest website, says. "Agriculture by definition is the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, crops, and raising livestock and in various degrees the preparation and marketing of the results. For many, BBQ has become an art and culture that brings people together sharing in the results of agriculture.  Breweries also rely heavily on agriculture for a constant supply of ingredients from farmers to produce unique beer creations."

The KCBS barbecue competition will include two sanctioned classes:

*Master Series requiring teams to cook four types of meat (chicken, pork ribs, pork butt and brisket) cooking with wood, wood pellets or charcoal.

*Backyard Series where non-professional teams are required to cook chicken and pork ribs using wood, wood pellets or charcoal.

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"We are looking for more barbeque competitors and breweries," Stang said. "Any barbeque competitor that is licensed to sell to the public and would like to sell can sell barbeque as well. Competitors can apply online at bkgbbq.org. Breweries can reach out to [email protected].

Big Knob Grange Fairgrounds is at 336 Grange Road, New Sewickley Township.

Scott Tady is entertainment editor at The Times and easy to reach at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Big Knob BBQ & Brew Fest is sanctioned by Kansas City Barbecue Society