Everything will be going up in smoke this weekend as the 3rd annual Rib Fest returns to Oberlin.

The family-friendly festival will offer Southwest Louisiana residents some of the best ribs, music, food and more as teams from throughout the parish gather to battle it out for bragging rights to see whose ribs have what it takes to be deemed the best.

The cook-off begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Mike Carrier Memorial Baseball and Recreation Complex, 612 First St., next to the parish fairgrounds in Oberlin.

While the rib cook-off takes center stage, the event also includes a petting zoo, train rides, washer tournaments, live music, craft booths, funnel cakes, food vendors and much more, according to organizer Seth Storer.

This year, more than two dozen master chefs and backyard barbecuers, including some new pitmasters, are expected to vie for bragging rights for the best ribs in town.

“Our ag teacher Chad Pickle did a rib cook-off with his seniors every year.” Storer said. “Then he came up with the idea to make it a one-day festival for the public with kids’ activities and we added live music to give the people more to do.”

Live music kicks off at 8 a.m. The entertainment lineup includes Adam Leger, Ashton Dupre, Raikwon Green, Harlie Denette and the Janson Matte Band.

“There will be a lot of good food to be had, activities for kids … something for everyone,” Storer said. “It’s a family-friendly event with great music and fun.”

Admission for the general public is $10 per person. The fee to enter the cook-off is $50 per team, which includes one rack of ribs provided by the festival association. Additional racks of ribs are available for $20 per rack.

All proceeds will benefit the Oberlin Booster Club and future Rib Fest events.

Cash prizes and a commemorative paddle will be awarded for first-, second- and third-place teams. Awards will also be presented for best decorated booth and best team name.

A panel of three judges will judge each entry based on appearance, tenderness/texture and taste.

Each team must prepare and cook ribs pit-style only. No electrical devices will be allowed.

Cooking begins at 7 a.m. with judging at noon. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m.

For more information contact Storer at 337-578-7016 or Oberlin High School at 337-639-4341.