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Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club plans Rib Fest 'three-peat'

Large crowd expected for June 25 fundraiser for Oakhurst Community Center

Brian Wilkinson

(Updated: Thursday, June 09, 2011, 4:46 PM)

Oakhurst's Sierra Rotary Club is challenging any and all clubs and organizations to try to take its "Best Ribs" crown at the 12th annual Rib Fest June 25.

Judges, scrutinizing appearance, tenderness and taste, voted the club's barbecued pork ribs the best for the second year in a row at last year's event, which was attended by more than 300 Mountain Area rib lovers. Last year's delicious victory was No. 5 for the club.

Runners up for the title were the Elks, Kiwanis and the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Co-chairs of the event are Laura Graham, manager of the Oakhurst Community Center, and Dale Miller, incoming president of the community center board of directors.

"This is the only fundraiser the community center board puts on each year," said Graham. "It's important to keep the community center open. Every service club in the area holds their major fundraisers at the center in addition to private parties, receptions and special events. The community center is the heart of the community."

Fern Facchino, president of the Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club, says her team is going for a three-peat this year.

"We have the best sauce and barbecue man around ... Scott Pearl."

Miller, a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club, says with a smile that he will scrutinize the judges for impartial judging.

"They (Noon Rotary) won the last two years and they need to know there are other clubs that plan on changing that trend this year."

The second annual rib-eating contest will be held before dinner. The entry fee costs $10 and the winner will go home with $100. Last year's winner, Chris Baker, will serve as the contest chairman. Entries will be accepted the night of the event.

Supervisor Tom Wheeler will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

Tickets for the all you-can-eat rib dinner including baked beans, garlic bread, cole slaw and dessert cost $25 in advance and are available at Dorsey's Hallmark, Sears or from Graham at the community center. Tickets will cost $30 the night of the event.

Last year's event raised more than $8,000 for the operation and upkeep of the Oakhurst Community Center.

Sierra Telephone is the platinum sponsor of the event.

Doors open at 5 p.m. for no-host bar, with dinner starting at 7 p.m.

Details: Dale Miller, (559) 683-0819; Laura Graham, (559) 683-2290.