Atlantic hosting barbecue contest

ATLANTIC — The aroma of hot ribs and sound of cool melodies will fill the air on a Friday night in October near the Rock Island Depot.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting registrations from area “rib burners” for October’s Harvest Fest celebration in downtown Atlantic.  This year’s event will span two days with the addition of a rib festival Friday, Oct. 12.

Registrations for teams are being taken until noon Oct. 3. Forms can be found on AtlanticIowa.com or at sponsor locations: Atlantic Motor Supply (NAPA), Sears, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Robinson’s True Value Hardware and Connect-A-Dock.

Competitors can choose to participate in one or several categories. A trophy will be awarded for people’s choice ribs, and cash prizes will be awarded for the top three places in beef brisket and pork butt. The event is non-sanctioned.

“Our festival is perfect for those entry-level, backyard smokers or for those who have a few competitions under their belt,” Chamber Director Megan Roberts said. “It’s a casual event where bragging rights and a little cash go a long way.”

Attributing the Friday night addition to last year’s success, the new “ribtastic” event will be open to the public from 8 p.m. to midnight. There is no cover charge for the live music. Rib samples and a beer garden will be available. Organizers are encouraging football fans to come out after the game.

Meat smoking will continue throughout the night. Saturday, Oct. 13 will feature the same family-friendly activities as in past years and will conclude with a Harvest Feast comprised of the smoked pork butt and beef brisket entries, chips, and apple pie contest entries. The Atlantic Fireman’s Parade will process on Chestnut Street starting at 6 p.m.

Questions about Harvest Fest can be answered by calling the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at (712) 243-3017 or e-mailing chamber@atlanticiowa.com.