The 12th Annual Hog August Bites will bring ribs, chili, and community fun to downtown Rio Vista on August 22, with the Sacramento River providing a scenic backdrop for the day’s festivities.
Chili cooks are hard to find, and preparing five gallons outdoors can be a challenge for beginners. Hog August Bites makes it fun to jump in, with entries judged by both the crowd and official judges on taste, color, consistency, and aroma. To sample the chili, buy a $10 tasting kit at the Chili & Rib Tasting Ticket table at 45 Main Street. Chili tasting runs from noon to about 2:30 p.m.
Rib cookers will be grilling on a variety of barbecues, including pellet grills, smokers, and large trailer setups, in the city parking lot behind 45 Main and along South Front Street. Many enjoy chatting with visitors as they pass by. Each year brings new contestants from Rio Vista, the Bay Area, the Delta, and beyond.
Ribs are judged by a panel of Rio Vista VIPs led by Tracy Allen, a trained Kansas City BBQ Society Master Judge. Although Hog August Bites is not a KCBS event, it follows KCBS rules. Entries are submitted in numbered containers to preserve anonymity and are evaluated on texture, flavor, and appearance.
Most contestants also take part in the popular People’s Choice Rib Tasting. People’s judging begins at 3:00 p.m. at 45 Main and usually wraps up by 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Chili & Rib Tasting Booth at 45 Main Street: a $15 kit includes three ribs, while a $30 kit includes 10 ribs.
Beyond the ribs and chili, the 12th Annual Hog August Bites offers plenty to explore, including custom cars and trucks, local vendors, and kid-friendly activities such as pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and a waterslide. Food trucks will be set up at the foot of Main Street near live bands playing everything from salsa to R&B. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
There is still time to be part of Hog August Bites: register as a rib or chili contestant—or both—or join the car and motorcycle show or vendor lineup. Register and pay online at http://hogaugustbites.com. For updates and raffle information, follow Hog August Bites on Facebook.