It was all about the rhubarb and barbeque in Manchester on Saturday.
Rhubacue on the River, the Chamber’s annual June festival, brought people out to South Franklin Street downtown on Saturday morning for ribs, vendors and rhubarb contests.
The contests were brought back for the first time in a few years – giving local gardeners a chance to show off their largest rhubarb leaf or longest rhubarb stalk. And Chamber Director Dave Wakefield announced Vicki Witte of Manchester as the big winner of both titles.
And there was a contest for best Rhubarb Crisp, with Jennifer Zumbach of Ryan taking top honors. First Lutheran Pastor Tony Ede was one of the lucky judges who got to do a little sampling.
After enjoying the rhubarb desserts, Ede headed down the street to try some barbeque.
The sprinkles and cloudy skies were ideal conditions for the runners in the Rhubacue on the River’s 5K Fun Run around Manchester. Around 70 runners entered, with Isaiah Rich of Manchester crossing the finish line first with a time of 19 minutes and 35 seconds.
Rich planned to grab some food after the race – and there was plenty to choose from. Along with the barbeque nachos, ribs and sandwiches, you could purchase whole rhubarb pies – but they went fast, with all forty of the pies selling out before the event was over. O’So Good Winery had rhubarb wine and Franklin Street Brewery brought back their Strawberry Rhubarb craft beer for the day.
This was Wakefield’s first time organizing Rhubacue on the River as Chamber Director – and he says they’re already looking forward to next year’s event.
photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH
