A FINGER-LICKIN’ GOOD TIME

The four-day rib cook-off event concludes today.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

CITY HALL REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — Patty Negron of Brookfield Township describes herself and her husband, Alberto, as “festival freaks.”

If there’s a fair or a festival in the area, she said there’s a pretty good chance the pair will be there.

So it was no surprise the couple were at the Miller Lite National Rib Cook-Off on Saturday outside the Chevrolet Centre.

“It’s our enjoyment in the summer,” she said. “We go to all the festivals. When there’s a festival, we make it to Youngstown and we’re rarely disappointed.”

The Negrons were among numerous people who attended the cook-off, which featured live music, drinks and food, including, of course, ribs.

“It’s a little bit of a drive, but it’s worth it,” said Alberto Negron. “I hope they do it every year. I’d like to come again next year. This is a very nice event.”

The couple said they were impressed with the appearance of the city’s downtown, which is enjoying a renaissance with new businesses and restaurants opening in recent years.

“The downtown is looking nice,” Patty Negron said.

Gregg Lutz of Cortland had his doubts about the event, but decided to attend Saturday primarily because of his “love of barbecue.”

The cook-off “is actually better than I thought it would be,” Lutz said. “You always hear about Youngstown going downhill. But that’s not what I see. I’m very impressed by the event. The downtown looks great. Also, [the Chevrolet Centre] is a first-class venue.”

Clyde Williams of Youngstown said he was pleased to attend the event. He brought along his two kids as well as a nephew and a niece.

“Anytime there’s something good for the community, I want to be there,” Williams said. “The kids are scampering around enjoying themselves.”

Though Williams praised the cook-off, he said next year’s event should have rides or other activities to keep kids entertained.

The four-day event concludes today running from noon to midnight as it did Thursday through Saturday.

Admission is free until 5 p.m.

After 5 p.m., general admission is $5, $2.50 for senior citizens, and free for those under the age of 16.

This is the first year the Chevrolet Centre is having a rib cook-off festival.

The city-owned center’s indoor summer schedule is usually light.

Center officials say it’s difficult to compete during the summer against outdoor events because most people don’t want to be inside when the weather is nice. Because of that, there are a few events each summer in the center’s parking lot.

The music on the outdoor stage was almost nonstop during the event featuring a variety of bands including those playing funk and soul, classic rock, and reggae.

Saturday’s musical highlight was a concert by progressive rock band Kansas, best known for its 1970s songs, “Dust in the Wind,” “Point of Know Return,” and “Carry On Wayward Son.”

Today is the event’s “Beach Party Reggae Day,” featuring a performance by Flow Band. The Pittsburgh-based reggae band is to play from 9:30 to 11 p.m.

skolnick@vindy.com