ref=”https://thinktasty1.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/MS_BBQ_fest_logo.png”>Last weekend, Mohegan Sun held its first annual Sun BBQ Fest.  Although Mother Nature interfered with the sun part of the BBQ Fest, spirits were bright at the event.  Attending the event on Saturday afternoon, there was a large crowd despite the lingering clouds and mist.  As the individual barbecue booths opened, long lines formed immediately.

In addition to the barbecue booths, there were many other attractions.  When we arrived the main stage was preparing for the rib eating contest, while a hamburger demonstration took place on the demo stage.  Additionally, there were a number of vendors and food options.  While many of those foods were tempting, we decided to save our appetites for barbecue.

My guest and I endeavored to sample as many types of ribs as possible, so that we could determine our own winner at the barbecue.  In order to attain this goal, we made a few decisions.  First, I chose my guest wisely; I found someone with a greater appetite than me, my husband.  Second, we ate light breakfasts and didn’t snack before attending the event.  Third, we ordered ribs only, not allowing sides to fill us up.

There were six different rib vendors at the event:  Big Boned BBQ, Chicago BBQ Company, Joey’s Texas Thunder BBQ, Uncle Bub’s BBQ, Texas Pit BBQ, and Porky Chicks BBQ.  Each vendor served delicious ribs with their own unique barbecue sauce.  It was difficult deciding which ribs were best.  All of the ribs were tender and had flavorful sauce.  However, we embarked on a mission to choose the best, so with full stomachs we reviewed our notes and made our choice.

According to Think Tasty, the best ribs at the Sun BBQ Fest were crafted by Big Boned BBQ from Charleston, South Carolina.  What made these ribs the winner were their fall-off-the-bone texture and savory barbecue sauce.  Both their mild and hot sauces offered a delightful contrast of sweetness and acidity, with the hot offering a nice bite of heat.

Take a peek at Big Boned BBQ’s schedule to see where they will be in the near future, so that you can sample their ribs.  And, don’t forget to mark your calendars for next June and the second annual Sun BBQ Fest at Mohegan Sun.

(Editor’s note:  Think Tasty received two complimentary passes to the Sun BBQ Fest, but the opinion reflected in this article is solely hers.)