Connellsville is having a first-time event for the holiday weekend, and the excitement is building.

Rockin' Ribfest will be held in the city.

There will be a fireworks display on Friday night courtesy of the Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce as well as other art and craft vendors and events sponsored by the chamber that night.

The rib events will be held Saturday and Sunday.

Five national rib vendors will participate in the Rockin' Ribfest. They are Big Girls BBQ, BG's Main Event, Smoke Shack, Smolon' Joe's BBQ and Archie's BBQ. Those attending will be able to vote for the best ribs in the county.

There will be a rib competition for amateurs. Register by calling 724-984-8967. First-, second- and third-place trophies will be awarded for the Best Ribs in the Ville.

There will be other food as well, including hot sausage, fresh cut fries, Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, funnel cake, cotton candy, candy apples and more festival food.

Festival hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday; noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

General admission is free with a $10 charge with identification to taste wine and beer during the Ribfest event on Saturday and Sunday.

The wine and beer tasting will take place inside the East Side Fire Station.

Terry Cellurale of Fayette Festivals, sponsor of Rockin' Ribfest, said anyone age 21 and over can try wines from seven wineries and between 30-40 different types of craft beers. Everyone will receive a commemorative wine glass.

Beer sales will be available outside the fire station. Faris Distributing is the sponsor, Cellurale said. Outside sales are a fundraiser for New Haven Hose Company and proof of age is required.

Entertainment will be provided Saturday and Sunday, starting at noon. A stage will be set up on Water Street near the bottom of Apple Street.

On Saturday, Mark and The Wild Things will play from noon-2 p.m., followed by Sammy Brooks Band until 4 p.m.; then Connellsville's Terry Callahan and Fungus until 6 p.m. when Chris Higbee will perform. Pittsburgh legend Donnie Iris will finish out the night.

“This guy sells out stadiums and he's going to be in Connellsville on July 4th for a free show,” Cellurale said.

The live bands begin Sunday at noon with Fret Buzz from Uniontown, followed by Martyr Kanin at 2 p.m., Billie Price at 4 p.m. and Abacus Jones at 6 p.m.

There will be a children's carnival and more than 50 arts and crafts vendors. On Saturday at 2 p.m., Project Talent Theatre Workshops members will present a program.

“Mayor (Greg) Lincoln went out of his way to make sure that everything is all about Connellsville. We are keeping all of our business in the city. He made sure that it all benefits Connellsville businesses and organizations,” Cellurale said.

“We are looking forward to three days of fun for everyone in Connellsville,” Lincoln said. “The Greater Connellsville Chamber will kick it all off Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. with activities and concessions in front of City Hall, followed by a fantastic fireworks display. Saturday starts off with the Scott C's Auto Sales Car Show and the Rockin' Rib Fest goes into full swing through Sunday night.

“The Fayette Festival committee has planned a delicious rib competition with national name participants, a kids' carnival, dozens of vendors with nice items, a wine and beer tasting going on at the East End Fire Station and great musical acts. I hope everyone will spend time in Connellsville and enjoy these terrific events,” Lincoln added.

“This is going to be a monster event. If people love ribs, wine and beer tasting and great music, everyone is working together, Connellsville is the place to be this weekend,” Cellurale said.

Event sponsors include Renewal by Anderson, Vacation Village Resorts, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Dennis Heath, Scott C's Auto Sales, Liston Chiropractic LLC, Shane Gannon Attorney at Law, Jack J. Cole, James Custer, Faris Distributing, Gill Supply-Industrial, Safety, Janitorial, Hillside Personal Care Home-Senior Living, Dr. Brandon M. Ball MD FACS, Vince Zapatosky, Dave Lohr, Dr. James Geshay-Pediatric Dentistry, Tom & Jerry's Home Medical Service and Cougar Rentals.

The event is a for-profit event with fundraising opportunities for many Connellsville organizations.

Tents will be placed on Arch Street and Apple Street.

On Sunday, Connellsville Recreation Board and New Haven Hose are teaming up to sponsor a duck race.

New Haven Hose will be selling beer, with proceeds going to them, he added.

Melissa Tzan, recreation board president, said ducks cost $5 each. The duck derby will be held at 5 p.m. Winner will receive $1,000.

Nancy Henry is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.

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