ABOUT STANTON RIBFEST

These days, every small-town struggles to keep small businesses open, support activities for the youth, start new clubs, and keep a sense of camaraderie in the community. In our small town of Stanton Nebraska, our group known as Stanton Ribfest has been fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to get involved with community outreach in a way that is fun, shines a spotlight on Stanton, and benefits local causes first and foremost.

In 2010, a group of friends in Stanton learned that the local VFW was struggling to keep its doors open. Their love for community, ribs, and grills sparked the idea to have a rib cook-off to raise money. This inaugural event was such a success that the group named themselves Stanton Ribfest. The group quickly formed into a committee with a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and other dedicated members. After several successful events, in 2018-2019 the Stanton Ribfest members asked for advice from other seasoned community groups, and as a result we were able to obtain our 501(c)3 and officially be recognized as a nonprofit organization!

Stanton Ribfest has donated to many different causes over the years. As we gain community support, our ability to address many different needs in the community increases as well. Support has been so amazing that in 2019 we decided to start offering scholarships to graduating seniors. We are now proud to announce that monetary donations of $100 or more will open the chance for a scholarship to go to a high school of the donor’s choice. We get many donations from people and businesses from outside of our community and we would like them to be able to see the benefits of donating to Stanton Ribfest!

In 2020, we reached our 10-year milestone! Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we were unable to celebrate. Although we were not able to hold our big yearly event, we were still able to do a couple of small fundraisers to make the money to be able to award six $250 scholarships to graduates.

Stanton Ribfest was approached in the fall of 2019 by Big Bang Boom President Don Wisnieski to coordinate a Wingfest for their upcoming event. Big Bang Boom had traditionally been a one-day event, but coordinators were wanting to transition to a full weekend event. Part of their planning process was to organize the Friday event which became known as Boomfest! Stanton Ribfest was asked to fill a spot for the Boomfest festivities! We were very honored by this generous offer, being asked to participate in such an amazing and prestigious event that draws over 30,000 people a year.

How do we do all this? Stanton Ribfest is a dedicated group of hardworking and fun-loving individuals with a shared interest in amazing food. We love our Northeastern Nebraskan communities, and strive to bring people together to create positive outcomes. We could never do any of these things without all the sponsors and supporters of Stanton Ribfest!

Since 2010, the Stanton Ribfest team has donated to the following worthwhile causes:

• 2010 – Stanton VFW Post #3602
• 2011 – Stanton Public Library
• 2012 – Stanton Baseball/Softball Association
• 2013 – Stanton High School
• 2014 – Stanton County Tornado Relief Fund
• 2015 – 4-H Shooter Club
• 2016 – Stanton Legion JR/SR Baseball
• 2017 – Stanton Volunteer Fire Department
• 2018 – 4-H Trap Club and a local benefit
• 2019 – Stanton Wrestling Program, two scholarships, two local benefits, 4-H Bedding, and helped with flood relief in Verdigre and Lynch.
• 2020 – Six high school scholarships
• 2021 – Six high school scholarships, a new basketball hoop for park in Stanton, 4-H Council, 4-H Bedding, assistance for a family that was struck with tragedy, gift basket for Empowering Woman Organization, and a few local requests.