Rib fest returns to Renzie Park

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
For those heading to Renziehausen Park this weekend, be sure to bring a big appetite and maybe some extra handwipes for the all of the mouth-watering barbecue sauce and ribs at the McKeesport Rib Festival.
The annual festival, known as the “Renzie Rib Fest” around town, features five vendors selling barbecued food this year. Entertainment will be provided by several popular bands on the McKeesport Lions Club Bandshell stage.
The festival kicks off 4 p.m. Friday and will be held from noon to 9 p.m. each day through Labor Day.
Renzie Rib Fest is held at the Bandshell ­— where visitors are welcome to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the music on the lawn. The barbecue food court is held on Jimmy Long Field and the athletic fields that surround the Bandshell.
“Why stay home and barbecue on Labor Day Weekend?” McKeesport Lion and McKeesport Summer Concert Series Chairman Dan Carr, said. “Instead, bring the entire family out to beautiful Renziehausen Park for the McKeesport Rib Festival. (It is) known for attracting many of the region’s top barbecue vendors.” He said Red Barn BBQ, Rogue BBQ, Big Girls BBQ, Robbie’s Ribs and Da’ Tex-Burgh will sell ribs and specialty sides at food booths.
“We have the backyard heroes to the professional caterers,” Carr said. “Also offered are many dessert options. The McKeesport Lions will be at their concession stand serving the hometown favorites like hot dogs, kielbasa, pierogies, haluski, unstuffed cabbage, fresh cut fried potatoes and vegetables.”
Entertainment line-up
Beatlemania Magic will kick-off the rib festival’s musical performances at 7 p.m. Friday.
Mon Valley Community Band will play at 2 p.m. Saturday and Buckwild will take the stage at 4 p.m. Chain Reaction, a Pittsburgh-based arena rock band will headline at 7 p.m. Saturday.
On Sunday, The Real Deal Band will entertain the crowds at 2 p.m. and The Jaggerz will headline Sunday’s performances with a show at 7 p.m.
On Labor Day, Tres Lads will play at 4 p.m. and The Igniters will close out the musical performances at 7 p.m.
A fireworks display will be set off at nightfall.
The McKeesport Lions Club 9th annual car cruise will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday on the rib fest grounds. Those with classic cars can enter for free and will receive a complimentary dash plaque.
Carr said the festival is “always a good time” and “showcases what McKeesport is all about.”
“McKeesport has long been the hub of the Mon Valley,” he said. “We still take great pride in bringing this and other big events into McKeesport for our residents and surrounding communities. We have big city amenities with the feel of neighborhood parties.”
Carr said he knows McKeesport’s Rib Festival is being held over the same weekend as the 2019 Heinz Field Kickoff and Rib Fest, which will be held from noon to 11 p.m. today through Monday, but he is confident that thousands of people will flock to Renzie Park over the festivals four-day-span.
“We always welcome the people that go to Pittsburgh for the Rib Festival to stop by on the other days during the Labor Day weekend,” he said, adding that the festival “is always a success.”
“It’s easy to see why this festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the year,” Carr said. “With free admission, free parking, live entertainment at the McKeesport Lions bandshell, a car cruise, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the celebration, the McKeesport Rib Festival is something you won’t want to miss.”
Members of the McKeesport Lions Club, as well as some city workers and council members, have volunteered to staff the event for all four days.
Mayor Michael Cherepko, a McKeesport Lion, said he is sad to see summer coming to an end, but is glad that he’ll get to celebrate rib fest to close out the season.
“The Renzie Rib Fest is a wonderful event that closes out our Summer Concert Series here in McKeesport,” Cherepko said. “This is yet another event that draws thousands of visitors to our beautiful Renzie Park for four days of food and entertainment. I can’t think of a better way to end our summer.”
To learn more about the festival or McKeesport Lions Club events, membership or initiatives, visit www.mckeesportbands.com and click on “McKeesport Rib Fest” from the “Shows & Events” dropdown menu.