Fargo’s kickoff to summer begins at Happy Harry’s Ribfest

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — It’s the official kickoff to summer with the mouthwatering taste of ribs, music, and more.

“We got something for everybody that will fit your palate, so if you’ve got a picky eater kid, one of our concession stands has chicken strips and french fries, they’ve got corn dogs. Everyone’s got their specific barbecue they’re making with their meats. We’ve got cheese curds, funnel cakes, we’ve got deep-fried Oreos and Twinkies, so it’s a little bit of something for everybody,” said Sarah Dykema, Director of Marketing and Sales for Fargodome.

Happy Harry’s Ribfest has been providing food and entertainment since 1996. This year, there are six award-winning rib vendors from across the country featuring their specialties in sauces, ribs, brisket, and more.

“Our sauce is special to Chicago. It’s a little smoky, a little sweet. We have our proprietary rubs, our whole cooking method, very Chicago,” said Paul Myers, Manager of Chicago BBQ Ribs

The Chicago BBQ Company has been in the business of barbecue since the 80’s. Originally, they were named Giovanni’s with a restaurant located in Berwyn, Illinois. But in 2000, they hit the road with the new name, Chicago BBQ.

“Over the years, we’ve won hundreds of awards. Some of those include Best Ribs in Chicago, Best Ribs in America, Best Sauce in America, and Best Ribs in the World. Which got us in the barbecue hall of fame,” said Myers.

Each year, many of the vendors bring back their own twists of flavors and more. Bringing a new feast to the festival.

“A lot of these rib cookers, they’re on a whole national circuit. So they’re going all across the country cooking up ribs for everybody. So they’re here specifically in Fargo year after year to cook up their favorites, it’s anything from ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, sausage, you name it, they will do it,” said Dykema.

Happy Harry’s Ribfest continues until Saturday at the Fargodome.