About Ribs for Kids

Ribs for Kids is Petaluma Active 20-30's biggest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds support our mission to serve underprivileged kids in Petaluma, funding our many charitable endeavors, and especially the annual Children's Shopping Spree- our biggest charitable event of the year. Along with our partner clubs in Sebastopol and Rohnert Park, we take over 100 local kids shopping for new clothes, shoes, school supplies, and haircuts in preparation for Back to School, and every year we hope to sponsor more!

Read more about Children's Shopping Spree.

History of Ribs for Kids

Ribs for Kids started with an idea- We wanted to create a rib cook-off competition for the home gourmet; not professional chefs and KCBS circuiters, but the backyard barbecuer. An event that gives home cooks a chance to show-off their skill and passion for good BBQ, and one that could become a staple of the Petaluma community and local food scene.

The inaugural event was held on June 27th, 2015 in the parking lot of Mario & John's Tavern, with about a dozen competitors, beer, games, and good times. But in order for Ribs for Kids to become Petaluma's premier rib competition, we knew we would need a larger space and a kid-friendly environment. The next year, the event was moved to the grounds of the First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma, and the event was a huge success! We continued to grow, hosting the competition at Lucchesi Park in 2018 and 2019, featuring more competitors, more food, more activities, and more fun for the whole family!

With the success of Ribs for Kids mounting, we set our sights on a new location at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, and the addition of a chili competition. Sadly, the event planned for 2020 had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and with things still uncertain in 2021, we decided to stick to the classic rib competition with a socially distanced, drive-thru event at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds.

The event return to full pre-pandemic levels back to the Fairgrounds in 2022 and 2023, bringing back both the ribs and chili competition, live music, drinks and more!

We are proud to bring back this great event for 2024 —

Ribs for Kids: The Great Rib and Chili Cookoff

Saturday, June 1st, 2024 at Lucchesi Park in Petaluma from 12pm-4pm!

Previously at R4K...

2023

Ribs Chili Side

1. Aces N Eights DpD BBQ Yes Dear BBQ

2. Butler Autoglass Double J Native Sons of the Golden West (T-2)

3. When Pigs Fly Charbay Meat Sweats (T-2)

   People’s Choice Best Ribs: Lockwood Builders

2022

Ribs Chili Side

1. Deputy Dawg The YK Agency The YK Agency

2. War Wagon Hot Market Sax's Joint

3. Yes Dear Low Brow Yes Dear

2021

1st Place Ribs: Saucesquatch

2nd Place Ribs: Porkasaurus

3rd Place Ribs: Charbay

Best Side: Big Boiler BBQ - People’s Choice Ribs: Sonoma Sparkies

2020

Huge shout-out to War Wagon BBQ, who stepped up when our 2020 Ribs for Kids event had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. War Wagon took orders and prepared over 200 family rib meals, with several donated to local families in need, and donated proceeds to Petaluma Active 20-30’s charitable fund. Their generosity helped us continue to support underprivileged kids through this unprecedented time.

2019

1st Place: Butler Auto Glass - 2nd Place: Pickles ‘n Smoke - 3rd Place: Sexy Slabs BBQ - 4th Place: SauceSquatch - Best Side: Butler Auto Glass - People’s Choice Ribs: Charbay/Local Q 707 Platoon - People’s Choice Side: Charbay/Local Q 707 Platoon - Most Spirited: Smoke-n-Grill

2018

1st Place: Pork Slayers - 2nd Place: Orchard Supply and Hardware - 3rd Place: Sexy Slabs BBQ - People's Choice Ribs: Pork Slayers - People's Choice Side: Pork Slayers - Most Spirited: Sax's Joint

2017

1st Place: Twin Oaks - 2nd Place: Sauced - 3rd Place: SauceSquatch - People's Choice Ribs: Pork Slayers - Most Spirited: Smoke-n-Grill

2016

1st Place: Smoke-n-Grill - 2nd Place: Pork Slayers - 3rd Place: … People Choice Ribs: Pork Slayers - Most Spirited: …