Smoke will be rising from the Rock Island Depot area in Atlantic this weekend, but residents shouldn’t be alarmed—it’s all part of the Atlantic Area of Chamber of Commerce’s & McCurdy Pumpkins’ Harvest Fest activities. A new event, “Rib Fest” will take place Friday, Oct. 12^th, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free for live music from country, rock, and blues band “Dirt Road Acoustic Rehab.” In addition, rib samples will be available for one dollar each, and includes a slip to vote for People’s Choice ribs. A beverage garden will be open during the festivities as well.

The cooking will continue through the night as smokers prepare pulled pork and beef brisket to be judged on Saturday afternoon. AtlantiCash prizes will be awarded for the top three places in both categories. A Harvest Feast of beef brisket or pulled pork sandwich, potato chips, apple pie, and ice cream will be served at 5-p.m., Saturday. The $7 meal includes a beverage. Partnering with the Atlantic Fire Department, the Chamber will also host the Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corp. and the Salem Stepping Saints for a performance at the Depot at 5-p.m., prior to the Atlantic Firemen’s Parade at 6.

Registered BBQ teams include: 2 Guys and Some Pork – Ryan McAlpin of Shenandoah, Born Again BBQ – Adam Roberts of Atlantic, D&D BBQ – David Jensen of Avoca, Nelson BBQ – Brad Nelson of Griswold, Rad Men BBQ – Jeff Myers of Atlantic, Robinson’s Hardware BBQ – Dean Beach of Atlantic, RRR BBQ – Rick Kanning of Anita, Shmokin Hot – Zac Thielen of Griswold, Weirich Custom BBQ – Duane Weirich of Lewis, and Willie’s Homeless Hut BBQ – Cameron Williams of Clarinda.

More information can be found on AtlanticIowa.com or by calling the Chamber at (712) 243-3017.