By midday Friday, the rain and gloominess of the morning had faded away and was replaced by smoke and the irresistible mouth-watering smell of barbecued ribs.

The first-ever Williston “Ribfest” took place Friday with eight teams competing on the south end of Main Street for a prize of two first-class round trip tickets to Denver. Winners were to be announced at around 4:30 p.m. and would also include a people’s favorite, with that winner getting $100 in Chamber Bucks.

Although the Ribfest was a competition, the mood from all of the teams involved was more of having a good time and spending time sharing good food with the community.

One of the teams involved in Ribfest was the “Pork Chop Express.” Team member Brad Cook of Williston said the group was enjoying itself by making good food for everyone. Cook said his team decided to go with a dry rub for its special ingredients.

“A good dry rub just makes for a good rib. I think we have a fairly good chance today; we got a new grill and all that,” said Cook. Cook said he and his teammates weren’t taking winning too seriously and it was more about hanging out and enjoying a great day on the busy streets with friendly people.

“I think this is a great idea, Ribfest. I’d like to see them do this for sure every year,” said Cook.

Another competitor was Mickey Turner, a manager at FMC Technologies in Williston who is from Layafette, La. Turner decided to get involved in Ribfest about a month ago after the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce asked if he’d like to donate to the event.

Turner said his ribs have more of a southern, Louisiana style to them with seasoning to make them a bit more unique. He thought bringing the different flavor would add to Ribfest, which he was glad to participate in.

“It doesn’t matter if we win, it’s just a way for the guys to get out of the office. We‘re just glad to give back to the community and do our part. I think it’s great,” said Turner.

Members of Liberty Evangelical Free Church were in attendance as well with “Adam’s Ribs.” The Rev. Bob Leko said its ribs were pretty straightforward and the special ingredient is a special sauce and some seasoning.

He and the other teammates were more about enjoying the company of the people than winning.

“Feeding people is fun, it brings a smile to people’s faces when they have good food,” said Leko.

Church member Mary Banta of Williston said they got involved about a month ago and said it was a great experience.

“Just being out and the fellowship is nice. We appreciate the opportunity for people to be out and enjoy their downtown,” said Banta.

Another Ribfest competitor was Ron Wright, who said this was his first time competing and he was having a great time with the other team members.

“We’re just going with a dry rub and spraying a little bit of apple juice to add a little moisture,” said Wright.

Wright said the event seemed to be going quite well for its first year. He said the response, coupled with the alluring barbecue smell throughout downtown, could definitely find the evening becoming a fixture in the future.

“I think they have eight teams this year, they might easily have 15 or 20 next year,” said Wright.

Wright said it would be nice to win, but being among the citizens and making good ribs was enough for him.

“This is a first-time experience for me. If they’re edible then they’re good for me,” laughed Wright.