Magic City Neighbors Episode 9 - Denny Liddle talks about the Barberton BBQ Rib and Music Festival

This week, guest Denny Liddle talks about the Barberton BBQ Rib and Music Festival that happens Labor Day weekend. Denny sheds light on its evolution, purpose, and local charity contributions. Discover the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into gathering mouthwatering rib vendors and top-notch bands. From its humble beginnings as a single-day event, the festival has blossomed into a multi-day extravaganza featuring live music, delectable food, and engaging activities. Denny unveils plans to hand over the reins to Main Street Barberton, ensuring the festival's vibrant future. Tune in to unravel the logistical intricacies, sponsorships, and community spirit that make this festival an annual highlight!

Transcript

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Hey, everyone. Thanks for tuning into Magic City neighbors and the mic. I am Josh. Sitting next to me is Jack. And across the table we have Denny Liddle who has done maybe a couple of things around Barberton, but we're going to talk about the rib fest this week, which should be pretty interesting. Stay tuned. You're listening. The Magic City neighbors on the mike, where we talk to your Barberton neighbors about their stories, their insights and what gets them laughing. Make sure to like, share and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And now to the show. Hey, everyone. Welcome back. Please subscribe and share this with your Magic City neighbors. Well done, sir. I think this is going to be our new format. This is this should be the new format set up. So that's that's for sure. Denny, thank you for taking the time to come in here, especially as we're into August. I'm assuming with the Labor Day rib and Music Festival, you have a few things going on. Is that a fair assumption? Yes, it is. Good. Good. In the thick of it. Yeah. That. That seems about right. So the big question is, is how did this start? I mean, where did this come from? So it's a great question and it's interesting how so It all evolved because my understanding is that decades ago there used to be a Labor Day festival and it just gradually faded out, went away. About six or eight years ago I was on the Salvation Army board and we were trying to figure out ways to to create funding for the Salvation Army. And I brought up the idea that maybe we should do something because Barberton had fireworks, but there was nothing else. And I said, Why don't we tag on to that, create a big festival that we can bring more people down and raise money, and then everybody liked the idea. We set up a fund at the Barberton Community Foundation so that all the proceeds went to a Barberton charities fund, which would benefit the Salvation Army back home and other local charities. Nice. So basically you open your mouth with a good idea. And now you have a festival? Yes. Yes. Good move. Yeah, it was. I mean, it's been a huge benefit for the community. I'm sure it's been a little bit of a time suck for you. Yes. Yeah, to say the least. I mean, so to me, what is the future of this hold then? So we've got six, eight years of the past. And I mean, I'm sure there's going to be some people in the community that remember 20, 30 years in the past of this. Then there's the gap. So what is the future of this then? That's the exciting part because when we started this, I think it was seven or eight years ago, and in between there it was a one day a festival on Saturday with the fireworks. The next year it went so well that we got great feedback. There were no problems. The city loved it. We started expanding. We went to two days and then we went to three days and then we went to four days. And unfortunately, when you're doing that, there's not a lot more volunteers aren't coming out to help, so it just creates a lot more work. Yeah, and I've been looking for charities that might want to take it over because the real goal on this is I want to see a festival similar to the Mom festival that brings in Sure, 20, 30,000 people and we can really expand it. And there's so much potential, but we just didn't have the resources. So the the plan right now is and if, if you haven't heard Main Street, Barberton is here and the plan and I've already got approval from both boards, we're going to turn over the Labor Day Festival will be turned over to Main Street Barberton in 2024. Awesome. So there's a baked in made I mean they, they've got an event ready to go. They just need to I mean you hand them the keys and you get more sleep and they get a pre-made event. That's what I told my wife. But she said that's not happening. You know, they're going to have a huge day run it. I'm on the board of Main Street. Yeah, that's I guess kind of. So you're handing them the keys, but you're still going to be in the car? Yeah, we have a great board there though. That'll be the nice thing. There's there's probably 20, 30 people on our board and our committees that will be able to help expand this to where we really think it can go. That's awesome That I mean, to me that's, that's a huge part of that. So it's it's cool that you're able to hand that off in a way that's going to allow it to grow and in tandem really with the Main Street program, because that's what it's all about. It's getting people down here to enjoy this area right outside the studio, which to me is I mean, there's so much potential here that we've got. This is what's so exciting about it. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. That's so I mean, in doing this, how do you use I guess I would say how, how does it actually make money then. So we go out, we solicit, there's so many ways. I mean, yeah, I think we solicit vendors, so like we have national rib vendors that travel all over. They come in and they pay to have their spot at the festival. And we have been sold out for four or five years with the National River vendors. They soon as they participate, they love it and they want come back soon. So yeah, we get funds from that. We we do have a beer garden, so obviously that generates a lot of funds. Yeah, because we have a great band lineup this year. We have seven different bands on Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday, so a lot of people will come out, listen to the bands, have a beer, eat some ribs. So yeah, we do. We just do it. A lot of fundraising things. There's a fishing derby, there's a car show, so there's just a lot going on throughout the weekend. We have a kids area with blow ups and entertainers that come in and entertain the children and face painting in. And so just there's a quite a few things that people can enjoy. Nothing's real expensive, but all together it helps us generate money to continue doing the Labor Day festival and generate money for the charities. So that's awesome. So it's really is. So it's an event that basically is for the community, that also supports the community. Yes, that is awesome. Works well together. Yeah. Yeah. Speaking of speaking of all the bands in that, I believe Jack has some questions. Yeah. So we know it's not simple to pull this off. What are some of like the behind the scene things that they go down to really be able to get it to work? Oh, you know, I, you don't know where to start. I don't. I mean, there's just a lot when you're trying to secure enough food vendors and make sure they all have their license and permits and, you know, your band stuff you don't even think about. And we start the day after the festival is over. We start trying to book bands for the following year. Wow. And then like this year it's coming up with themes. This year we have Saturday will be, I think, the Country Music Day. Okay. And then Sundays, the Rock and roll Day. So we have big you had to have your big closing band, you know, headliner at the end as I say. The big headliner. Yeah. So we have Disco Inferno one night on the Rock Night and then, which has a great following. Yeah. And then we have Buck Naked, the Country band as our headliner on the other night. So and then old school, which we had to do them again because we had a huge following last year a great crowd. It was a great event on a Friday night. So so I mean, what does it take to get them here? Like, you know, it's well, money, money. I'm assuming there's more than just here's a check. Will you be here? I'm assuming with this being for charity, it takes a little more oomph or maybe. Maybe a finesse. Yeah. And it's getting in front of them quick because they all book up and it's getting to them early and saying, you know, this is where it's at. And now we've got we've got name recognition. You know, we didn't in the first couple of years and everybody knows the festival has just been growing and we've been very successful. So yeah, it's just finding the right, you know, we set a budget at the beginning of the year and then we have to make sure we meet our budget with, with all the different bands because everybody's, you know, charting something different. So. Right. Yeah. Wow. That I mean, as far as picking the rib vendors then to how does that work? Well, I was fortunate when I first started, I reached out to a rib vendor and he actually is the president of the National Rib Vendors Association, which I didn't know there was one. But so so that there's something there that really helps because, you know, he helped us, you know, help me out. You know, because we didn't know what we were going to charge or how we were going to do it. So he kind of gave me some ideas. And then and like I said, now it's so popular. We usually get four or five throughout the year that want to participate. Well, we can only have three of the big national guys because they're so large. Okay, We don't have the power resources to add more. So. So when you say power resources, are you talking actual electricity? Yes. Yeah. So they need 50 AMP service and our our lake and entertainment area doesn't provide any more it we can't three maxes us out. Wow. Yeah. So you know hopefully that you know the city I've been talking to them and for years we've talked about upgrades at the lake because we'd love to see this all the way around the lake some day and they have to redo a lot of power and do some things. But hopefully someday we can expand that part of it. That's a lot of ribs. Yeah. Urban Music Month. So I mean with that does do the rib vendors then kick back to the charities or how does that work? Well, like I said, we make most of the money strictly off of their rental spot. Oh, okay. That makes say they pay so much money to have that spot for the weekend. And then, you know, they're they're at risk, you know, Right. If it rains and they don't, you know, we get our money for that spot and awesome. Try and keep it reasonable enough where they're willing to do it right with that risk. And so far, like I said, every year we haven't had an issue. Even last year we got rain on Sunday and Monday. Yeah, and it put a damper on things. But they still broke even or did. Okay, great. And that's I mean making it a win for is kind of part of that game, right. If it's a win for everyone I've always loved, no one has to lose for people to win. Yes. And this is one of those situations where, yeah, that can happen. Yeah. And it's this works out. It's anything goes a lot deeper because it's interesting. So if I were to back them. Yep. So Dorothy and back home they help out they they will get the permits and run the beer garden. So part of the proceeds will go to their charity. Yeah. And, and then we have Parks and Rec will help and they'll run the fishing derby and we have a church that came in and they donate all the blow ups and they provide all the labor to run the children's area. So it's really turned into a community effort as everything does. Yeah. So I mean, that's that's one of the things that I've said so many times. The sense of community in Barberton is like no place other. The people that aren't from around here, that aren't from in Barberton have no idea what the outside world is like. And it's just not that way, right? It's one of the amazing things that we have here that I treasure. Then, you know that's true because it doesn't matter who you talk to, you'll hear that I've heard that for 25 years that I've been involved with organizations and that you keep hearing it over and over and over and even outside. Now, if you go to Wadsworth or anywhere, they'll talk about the difference in the sense of community here in Barberton. So unreal. Yeah, unreal. Do you have anything else? Are we going to the Lightning round? Yeah, I'm ready for the lightning round. Are you, are you, are you prepared. Do you need a seat belt. I hear you. Okay, so one of the things with this is, is one of the questions that we kind of got was how were the vendors picked? And I think you kind of pull a little, but with that, is it first come, first serve or is there a process? I mean, are you taste testing stuff ahead of time or how does this work? No, no. Strictly reputation. So these are national rib vendors. You can go online, you can follow them. They all have their own website. Yeah. So you can see where they've been participating, what festivals they're participating in. And and it's pretty easy to go through and find reputable vendors. Yeah. Because we don't want anyone coming down for bad ribs. No, no, bad. Not, not, never happened. Never will. Is there a year during this festival that has stood out to you throughout the years? Wow. Probably two years ago was when we first talked the committee into expanding and going from two days to four days. And it's been that came every single person on the committee looked at me like I had three heads and they're like, Oh, you kidding me? You want to you want to do it for four days? But it went great. We had great weather. The bands were good for everybody. Yeah, everyone had a great time. So that one stood out that that one is the this can go really bad or really good. And it it went really good. Glad to hear that. So with this our ribs your favorite food I mean you've obviously you're working up for this all year because you said you started this the day after last year. This is a bad question. I don't eat ribs. Most I, I probably over once a year at this festival, just in the judging part. I was going to. That's hilarious. That's I mean it it is what it is. You're obviously a music fan, correct? Yes. See, that's so there's there's a tie in. And I mean, if you get food, beer and music in one place, you're probably going to get people. Exactly. Yeah. That makes sense. Makes sense. And then my last question would be, do participate in the festival yourself. So I guess you kind of just said that with the rib test, you a little competition. Yeah. I mean, so other than running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to keep things organized, you got to enjoy it. Yeah. What's, what's something you, you enjoy with it? I'd really like to see in the bouncy house. Well, you'll see that. You'll probably see me in the beer garden more than any other area. That's kind of the ongoing joke. If you need to fight, if somebody has a question, just go to go find the beer garden. So that makes sense. Yeah. That, you know, we kind of there's a couple of us that roam and watch everything and make sure that there's a lot involved. I mean, you got to make sure the trash cans aren't overflowing, the tables are getting clean, that there's enough room for everybody. So there's a few of us that roam around and just make sure things are going right and are there for questions. Just on patrol. Yeah, the rib fest patrol. I like it. Well, which is maybe a hat for that. So we have bright yellow shirts, even better than yellow that say, volunteer on the back. So you'll see them out there. Do you get your 30 minute break? Did the beer garden or do they not let you? Well, I'm kind of the boss. I get to make my own hours. So we get an eight hour shift in the beer garden. And my next question is, is how many of those volunteer shirts are just slathered with barbecue sauce by the end of it? You know, I've never really looked, but that's a great idea for our contest for the food. We can get the dirtiest shirt. Yeah. And do some kind of award for who's got the dirtiest shirt that. Yeah. I mean, whether it's a white shirt or one of those green shirts, I cannot wear them because I will see dirt. And it's like, Oh, hey, I'm going to, I'm going to get on that ride. So, yeah, no, that's maybe we're on to something to you, that's brand to it. And we could announce that one. We'd be game for announcing that competition. So we'll hold you to that. We'll in on that. You might have to be one of our ribbed judges I hope. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Totally Game for that. Yeah. So now we're going to come to the every person questions. Okay. What we've asked this of everyone and Barberton has some interesting tall tales. Folklore or other rumors that may or may not be true. There's been a number of haunted buildings. There has been obviously a slew of rumors about Lake Cana. Is there a personal favorite for you, Boy, especially with where your office is? I would think that, like you said, I've had all the ghost stories. I've got the ghost story books at my office. I've, you know, the lake and the bottomless lake. Yeah. And that that's that's been the favorite. That's been the favorite so far. Is that your favorite one or is there is there one that's more of a favorite for you now? It's probably that's probably it. It's probably the lake and the thing because you know we know well that we think it's a just a river just the lake underneath is what we've heard. But everybody thinks it's there's a bottomless hole down there and yeah, that there's automobiles and stuff that are still down there from many, many years ago. Oh, I'm sure. But yeah, no, I think that's that's the favorite. I've been here my whole life, so I've heard everything, seen everything. And I've been a part of a lot of those rumors. And those are the ones I don't want to go. I was wondering if that's where we were going with that. And with that. That's for another show. Yeah. And then what do you see as the future for Barberton and where do you think we're headed? And like, what are bright spots specifically that you could pull out? Wow, that's an easy question. That is easy. You know, So like I said, for 25 years I've been volunteer green and almost every organization in town. And, you know, sometimes you get frustrated because things just aren't moving in the direction you want. And you see a lot of efforts. For the first time the last two or three years, I've seen so much economic development in the city. You know, the bringing Main Street Barberton in is going to be huge. It's going to be impactful and I'm 100% confident that's going to work. So I'm really excited with the economic development, the new housing development and with Main Street Barberton downtown, you know, and again Main Street, Barberton is downtown, but it's a it's a community, correct, that they're trying to improve not just the downtown. So that's what I'm excited about. I think we're right there and I think the next 3 to 5 years are going to be pretty phenomenal for growth for our city for sure. So I'm really looking forward to that. Awesome. That's I mean, that's one of the things that we see, too. There's just so much potential here that is just starting to we're just starting to tap that potential. And boy, that once that starts flowing, it's going to be perfect for maximizing, for sure, correct? Correct. Yeah. Well, thank you very much for coming in. I really appreciate it. I'm sure all of our Magic City neighbors appreciate it. All of you. As Jack said earlier, make sure you like, subscribe and share it with all of your Magic City neighbors and we will see you all soon. mean, how does that work? If I say something stupid, you have to cut it out. I am. I am. I'm able to cut that out and turn it into reels and clips, and we can post that everywhere. Oh, yeah, that would be perfect. We're going to cancel Downtown, beautiful downtown music drone flying around the lake. Nice. Welcome back, everybody. Please subscribe and share this with your Magic City neighbors. That was week. That was really sweet. I'm