Hunter Hayes Headlines Best Of The West Ribfest In Watford City

If you smell barbecue drifting through downtown Watford City this Friday, don't follow your nose too far. It will probably lead you straight to Main Street, where the annual Best of the West Ribfest is ready to fire up the grills, bring people together, and turn downtown into one giant barbecue party.

Main Street will be blocked off for the event as at least 16 teams prepare their best ribs for the judges and everyone lucky enough to get a taste.

And if you've ever been to a rib cook-off, you know these teams take it seriously.

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Who's Bringing the Ribs?

A number of teams are expected to compete this year, representing businesses, organizations, and barbecue lovers from around the area.

The teams we know will be there include:

Bidell Gas Compression
Chevron Chord Energy
ConocoPhillips
Emerald Surf Science
First International Bank & Trust
Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128
Holloman Corporation
Legacy Tool & Rental
Lund Oil Inc.
Northern States Fishing Tools
Red Rock Auto of Watford City
Targa Resources
TTK Enterprises LLC
Yankee Twang BBQ Company
Yellowstone River Beef

With that many grills going at once, downtown Watford City should have no shortage of smoky barbecue aromas floating through the air.

The Rib Rules

Of course, a rib competition needs some rules. The Best of the West Ribfest will have teams putting their barbecue skills to the test, with the ribs being prepared for judging and tasting.

The competition isn't simply about throwing some ribs on a grill and hoping for the best. Teams will need to follow the event's rib preparation and judging rules, with the final product being judged on the qualities that separate a good rack of ribs from one that makes you want to go back for seconds.

For anyone attending, the most important rule might be the simplest one: come hungry.

It's More Than Just Ribs

While the ribs are certainly the star of the show, Ribfest is about much more than barbecue.

There will be live entertainment throughout the afternoon, giving everyone plenty of reasons to stick around downtown.

The entertainment lineup includes:

12:30 p.m. - Alma Cook
1:30 p.m. - Ryan Olson
3:00 p.m. - Kyla and Dave
4:00 p.m. - The Doog Ol Boys
5:00 p.m. - Moon Cats

And then things get even bigger.

At 9:00 p.m., country music star Hunter Hayes will take the stage. Once his performance wraps up, stick around for Tripwire to keep the music going.

That's a pretty full Friday in Watford City.

Whether you're there to judge the ribs with your own taste buds, cheer on a favorite team, listen to live music, or simply enjoy a summer day downtown with friends and family, the Best of the West Ribfest is shaping up to be one of those events where you can show up for one thing and end up staying all day.

So, grab your appetite, bring the family, and make your way to Watford City this Friday.

Main Street is going to smell pretty good. Oh, and the best part for me is that I will be there broadcasting live on Dakota Country 96.1 from 1pm - 3:00pm, so stop by and say hello!

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Gallery Credit: Scott Haugen