LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - The Best Ribs In the East (also known as Buck-A-Rib), in memory of I Love BBQ Festival supporter Mike Grudzinskas, is back as one of the highlight events during the I Love BBQ Festival in Lake Placid July 2-4.

Grudzinskas, from Barre, Mass., passed away unexpectedly last year.

More than 25 professional barbecue teams from the United States and Canada will battle for the title of The Best Ribs in the East and the "People's Choice" Award on Saturday, July 3 from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval on Main Street in Lake Placid. Patrons can purchase one rib from as many teams as your appetite and waistline can handle. Go from team to team and get BBQ tips from the top pit masters in North America. Taste, talk and learn how the pros prepare those ribs.

During last year's event, over 7,000 ribs were sold to the general public inside the Olympic Oval in a span of two and half hours. Event organizers are hoping that teams will sell close to 10,000 ribs. The teams menus will offer the entire gamut of ribs - hot, sweet, Memphis, Kansas, Texas and other special styles.

Not since Adam met Eve have ribs been so popular. A rib throwdown of this magnitude only comes to the North Country once a year. Visitors are guaranteed to leave totally satisfied after meeting the teams, learning the secrets and eating the fare of BBQ teams from all over the continent.

Bring your families, friends and choose the Champion for The Best Ribs in the East.

After this memorable trip around rib country, sit down and digest to the King of Zydeco as C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band perform their unforgettable music at 4:00.

All proceeds from the entire weekend, including Buck-A-Rib, will benefit the Thomas Shipman Youth Center in Lake Placid.

For more information on the Buck-A-Rib event and the entire BBQ festival, please visit www.ilbbqf.com.