CANTON — Six award-winning rib vendors fired up their grills and served crowds at this year’s Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff, despite unsettled weather during the three-day event.
This year’s vendors were Armadillo’s BBQ, Austin Texas Lightning BBQ, Chicago BBQ, Fat Freddie’s BBQ, Off the Bone BBQ and Uncle Bacon’s BBQ.
Festivalgoers turned out for ribs, live music and other activities throughout the event.
A panel of six judges sampled ribs and sauces to select this year’s winners. Judges were Kierra Cotton, in-game host for the Cleveland Cavaliers; Jack Ham, Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee; Bev Shaffer, food and drink reporter for The Canton Repository; Jordan Miller, independent news reporter; Guy Souheaver, head of the sustainability management group at Constellation; and Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II.
Ribs were judged on appearance, flavor, tenderness and aftertaste, while sauces were evaluated on flavor, texture, uniqueness and overall impression.
After the judges finished sampling and the votes were tallied, Ham announced the 2026 Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff winners: Uncle Bacon’s BBQ for best ribs and Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ for best sauce.
The event continues from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 24.
Bev Shaffer, food and drink reporter for The Canton Repository, can be reached at bshaffer@usatodayco.com or 330-580-8318.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff winners announced in Canton
Reporting by Bev Shaffer, Canton Repository / The Repository
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