The Martin's Rib-Eating Contest is a tradition at the SunTrust Big Lick Blues Festival and oh boy is it ever a spectacle!

• The contest is scheduled for approx. 5:10pm – right after The Fat Daddy Band.

• Six contestants will have 3 minutes to eat all the ribs they could handle – and they consume some ribs! Guaranteed you won't be able to look away.

• All the contestants will be selected at the festival between 3:00 – 4:00 and announcements will be made from stage regarding how to enter.

See Roanoke Times video of the Martin’s Rib Eating Contest

2011 Rib Eating Contest Winners
1st - James Franklin, Roanoke VA - 14.7 oz
2nd - Elizabeth Anderson, Roanoke VA - 11.7
3rd - Jessica Franklin, Roanoke VA - 9.4 oz

2010 Martin's Rib Eating Contest Results

1st Place - Jessica Franklin - 20.6 oz

2nd Place - Mark Colborn - 15.7 oz

3rd Place - Joe Gieck - 15.3 oz

2009 Martin’s Rib Eating Contest Results

1st Place - Ron Webb, Roanoke VA – 1lb 4oz

2nd Place - Brent Helms, Moneta, VA – 14.25oz

3rd Place - Kenny Prickett, Vinton, VA – 14.2oz

Results of 2008 Martin's Rib Eating Contest:

1st Place - Ed Shelton

2nd Place - Lawrence Hancock

3rd Place - Jerry LaMoria

Results of 2007 Martin's Rib Eating Contest:

1st Place - Jonathan Sledge - 2.73 lbs. of ribs in 3 minutes!

2nd Place - Roger Paul - 1.97 lbs.

Ron Webb - 1.87 lbs.

David Schuylen - 1.3 lbs.

Phillip Smith - 1.2 lbs.

Sign Up for Eventzone News and Special Events – Click Here!