RibFest saw record attendance

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Organizers said this year's RibFest in Fort Wayne is expected to have seen record attendance.

The four-day event wrapped up Sunday night. Cindy Chappuis, the executive director of RibFest, said the vendors saw long lines every day. There were nine places for barbeque; three were local and six were national traveling vendors.

Chappuis said attendance is usually 25-30,000 people and she expects attendance this year to be 15 percent higher. The democratic convention in Fort Wayne and the dry weather probably helped boost attendance, she said. Exact numbers haven't been tallied yet.

"We couldn't be happier. My teams have had a great show, record attendance and it's very rewarding to see people coming out and having such a great time," Chappuis said.

Click here to see pictures from RibFest 2012.

RibFest is always the third weekend in June.

There were two competitions for best ribs. The following are the winning vendors for 2012.

2012 Critic's Choice Best Awards
3. Third Place, Best Ribs - Texas Pit Barbecue (from Magnolia, Texas)
2. Second Place, Reserve Grand Champion (1st Runner-Up) - Jack on the Bone (from Massillon, Ohio)
1. First Place, Grand Champion - Desperados BBQ and Rib Company (from Hinckley, Ohio)

2. Reserve Grand Champions (Runner-Up) Best Brisket - Desperados BBQ and Rib Company (from Hinckley, Ohio)
1. First Place Best Brisket Grand Champion - Cowboys Barbecue and Rib Company (from Fort Worth, Texas)

2012 People's Choice Awards
3. First Runner-Up - Desperados BBQ and Rib Company (from Hinckley, Ohio)
2. Reserve Grand Champion - Texas Pit Barbecue (from Magnolia, Texas)
1. First Place Grand Champion - Timmy's BBQ (from Garrett, Indiana)