Also gathered in downtown Hope was a double row of smokers and grillers competing in the Hope Train Day Rib Cook-off.  This year’s overall winner was Outcast Barbecue, with Allen’s Barbecue coming in second and Lane Parkinson coming in third.  But it all smelled so delicious I’ll be filing my application to become rib cook-off judge for 2027 as soon as this piece is done.

Among the performers on the big stage just a few feet south of the Hope Depot Museum were the already mentioned Night Hawk Band, Heather Lin and Jase Bryant, the Road Dawg Revival (yes I bought the t-shirt) and Jeffro & the Stillwaters.  All were in excellent voice and brought their best instrumental chops as they would have blown the roof off South Main, if streets had roofs.

Jelly the Clown astonished and stupefied with trickery that drew many kids to take a look.

Our pictorial captures the rib cook-off winners and a lot else that went on during Hope Train Day Saturday.

First place: Outcast Barbecue

Second place: Allen's Barbecue

Third place: Lane Parkinson