Backyard barbecuers from far and wide will gather downtown this
weekend for Gilroy’s second annual Rock N’ Ribs cook off.
Backyard barbecuers from far and wide will gather downtown this weekend for Gilroy’s second annual Rock N’ Ribs cook off.
Teams will start rolling into town this afternoon in preparation for Saturday’s festivities which include live music, a hot dog eating contest and a city block packed with some of the best barbecue around. The 28 contestants signed up so far – who boast names such as The Smokepranos, Hog Me Tender and Geeks With Nice Butts – will cook a round of ribs, chicken and mystery meat for the judges and public to enjoy. Although event officials were tight lipped about the secret meat, last year’s was a juicy pork tenderloin.
Last year, a motley crew filled the downtown with all kinds of cookers, grills and smokers – everything from a $50,000 barbecue to a Weber grill. Rumors have flown that the owners of a very expensive cooker will set up shop this weekend but Event Coordinator Steve Ashford couldn’t verify the details.
“I just know that some are coming that will just knock your socks off,” he said.
The charity fundraiser will benefit the Gilroy Downtown Business Association and awards first, second and third place winners with $250, $150, and $100, respectively. The Downtown Gilroy Antiques and Collectibles Street Fair will take place in concert with the cook off and live entertainment. Local bands Fast Lane, Broke Farmers, 7th Wave and PT & The Cruzers will keep barbecue lovers’ toes tapping while they savor the concoctions of chefs from all over Central California hot off the grill.
Rock N’ Ribs
Downtown Gilroy-Fifth and Monterey streets
7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 20: Fast Lane
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21: Live music (Broke Farmers, 7th Wave and PT & The Cruzers ), antique street fair and cook off
Free admission
