History

Birth of Idaho's Largest BBQ

In 2011 the Directors of Help Idaho discussed potential events that could be an annual celebration for the people in our community who support their locally-owned businesses. The idea of a professionally sanctioned barbeque event quickly rose to the top of our list. After all, who doesn't love barbeque?

We began working with Kansas City Barbeque Society representative, Jim Monahan, on how best to bring this idea to reality. Jim was a great resource and it was quite a blow to all of us when, six months before the event, he suddenly passed away. He is certainly missed.

About this same time, the city of Meridian was knee deep in working on their newest park. The Kleiner family had donated land to the city near Idaho's businest intersection at Fairview and Eagle roads. We knew this would be the perfect location for the RibFest and worked with the city to bring it all together.

The first annual RibFest was launched on June 30th and July 1st, 2012, just three weeks after the new park was officially opened. While there were many challenges, the event was a success with approximately 50,000 people showing up.