Marty O’Neill Set to Defend Rib Burn-Off Title
Charity BBQ Event Coming Sat. Feb. 5
The State Farm Hogs, led by Boss Hog Marty O’Neill, are getting them psyched up to defend their title in the fourth annual Rib Burn Off that takes place on Sat. Feb. 5, 2011, as the grand finale of the Ferndale Blues Festival.
The Blues Festival and the Rib Burn Off raise money for local charities – The Michigan AIDS Coalition and Ferndale Youth Assistance. Last year O’Neill and his team took home the “Judge’s Choice Award.” The year before that they were the “2009 People’s Choice” winner.
O’Neill, a State Farm insurance representative with an office at 22637 Woodward, says he looks forward to the Rib Burn Off every year. “It’s a blast and something great to do in the winter. The event supports local charities and directly helps Ferndale.” O’Neil teams up with buddies Jeff Annis, Bill Bigley, Rick Robinson, Steve Kives, Brian Sullivan, and Mark Plunkey to create the award-winning ribs.
“We cook on coal and wood, and use a sweet rub so our ribs have a smoky/sweet taste to them,” he said. “They really are great!”
When he is not making some of the sweetest ribs in town, or giving customers a good deal on car insurance, O’Neil is often busy being involved in the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce and Ferndale Youth Assistance, and coaching his kid in sports.
The Rib Burn Off is an exciting way to fill your tummy with a wide range of BBQ rib flavors. Dino’s Lounge hosts the event by getting a giant heated party tent and setting it up in the parking lot of the Ferndale Public Library (222 E. 9 Mile). There will be bands playing all day and from noon-5pm people can spend $10 for a ticket and enjoy two ribs from each of eight competing teams. At the entrance you’ll be given a punch card, letting each team know that you can have two of their ribs. Once you’ve stuffed yourself with up to 16 ribs, simply put your card in the entry box of the team you liked best. Cards will be tallied and the winners will be announced just after 5pm.
But the party doesn’t stop then. Tickets can be sold as late as 9, or until the ribs run out. WRIF will be on hand with “Rock Girl” Sarah from noon to 5. Then the Hunter Brooks Band will keep things moving until 9, when it’s time to take the party inside for some more Ferndale Blues Festival fun with The Reefermen providing the tunes.
“We love this event. Dino’s does a great job organizing the event and it keeps getting bigger and better every year,” O’Neill said.
For more information on the Ferndale Blues Festival, including the Rib Burn Off, go to www.ferndalebluesfestival.org. For more on O’Neill, check out his webpage at http://online2.statefarm.com/b2c/sf/agent/22/7197. Here are some pictures from last year’s grand event: