Staff Writer
HOULTON — Ribs, beans and rolls — what could better on a nice summer day? Get all the pork you can eat at the Houlton Agricultural Fair’s second annual “Pork in the Park” barbecue rib fest. On Saturday, July 5, contestants from all over will compete for the top prize with the best barbecue ribs recipe. The rib fest will be judged on texture, taste and looks by a selected panel early in the day. Participants will serve their “best pork” to residents looking to test their taste buds.
“We do this for the fun,” said Jane Torres, Houlton Fair member. “Last year we served over 440 people with the ribs that were cooked, which was great because all that money went to the land acquisition that we just did. Hopefully, we’ll serve twice that many this year and I’m hoping we serve 800.”
Last year’s service amounted to 500 pounds of pork — 50 pounds per cook. That’s a lot of meat. If the fair committee is able to recruit the numbers they want this summer, that amount could also double.
“We would like to have at least 20 teams or individuals,” said Torres. “If there are going to be teams, one person has got to be the chef. There is a $150 buy in. Last it was $300 but this year we decided to come down on that to try to get more people in.”
That buy in gets the advertising needed to attract the “taste testers.” Without the spectators, the event wouldn’t be successful for the chefs, or the fair. For $7 a plate, folks can sample ribs, beans and a roll. The funds raised during the fest will help offset the cost of the Fair Committee’s land purchase.
“So far we have six contestants and we’re looking for more,” said Torres. “We are going to have between six and ten judges. The ribs will be rated on a nine-point system — one is inedible, nine is best. They’re judged on texture, taste and looks.”
Chefs should be on site for set up by 8 a.m. unless they have a smoker. The committee would like everyone to start cooking by 10 a.m. The barbecues will be blazing until all the ribs are gone.
“We’ll be going right into the dark,” said Torres.
Entry forms for the rib fest have been published in the Pioneer Times. Participants will also receive special “Pork in the Park” apron.
For more information on how to take part, contact Carol Thurston at 538-5401 or call Jane Torres at 694-8414.
