The 2024 12 Bridges Rib Cook-Off was a day to remember! Over 5,000 attendees gathered for a day filled with ribs, music, and community. Families, friends, and local businesses all came together to support each other and our beneficiaries, proving once again that Lincoln is the bomb!
Rib Village
Our new Rib Village idea was bustling with BBQ lovers and small businesses alike. It’s a dedicated area where families and friends can shop and explore the local businesses and organizations. This year, we had amazing businesses, including Redwood Engraving, Wild Rose Macentile, Fallen Pollen, 12 Bridges Swim, Griller 360, Dr. Burrito, and Wickdqueen. Their support for our community is so appreciated, check them out if you have not already!
Delicious BBQ and Culinary Competition
This year, 19 talented teams brought their best to the field, competing for both the People’s Choice and KCBS awards. The flavors ranged from classic BBQ to more unique creations, and every rib left attendees wanting more!
Notable highlights included Tracy and the Sticky Six, who impressed the crowd with their delicious sliders to complement their ribs. Might be one of the side we heard the most about!
Prison Break BBQ also went above and beyond by serving mouthwatering BBQ, sides, elote corn and ICE CREAM! The judging process was intense (like always), with the ribs turned in & evaluated on taste, tenderness, and appearance. Each team brought their A-game, making it a close competition!
People’s Choice and KCBS Winners
The People’s Choice voting was a difficult decision for most attendees with so many good options at the 2024 12 Bridges Rib Cook-Off! But the Twelve Bridges High School took home the People’s Choice award with an impressive 30-point lead! And in the KCBS-sanctioned competition, Smokin Bliss BBQ claimed the top spot after an impressive showing.
People’s Choice Top 5 Placings:
1st Place: Twelve Bridges High School (164)
2nd Place (tie): Buckethead BBQ (134)
2nd Place (tie): Smokin Bliss BBQ (134)
3rd Place: Tracy & The Sticky Six (119)
4th Place: NorCal BBQ (95)
5th Place: Chompa-Q (81)
KCBS Top 5 Placings:
1st Place: Smokin Bliss (173.7372)
2nd Place (tie): Smokin Stacks (171.9772)
2nd Place (tie): LUV2BBQ (171.9772)
3rd Place: Smolder & Wiser (169.7144)
4th Place: Tracy & The Sticky Six (166.8800)
5th Place: Prison Break BBQ (166.8460)
Congratulations to all our incredible teams for their hard work and amazing ribs! Check out the complete placings here.
Beneficiary Spotlight
The 2024 12 Bridges Rib Cook-Off wasn’t just about BBQ—it was about supporting our local community and making a lasting impact. This year’s cook-off was dedicated to supporting FIVE local beneficiaries: 12 Bridges Boosters, Lincoln FC Lady Pumas, The Muck, 12 Bridges Sober Grad, and Lincoln Christian Academy. Each of these organizations plays an important role in our community, and we were thrilled to raise funds to support their missions.
Live Music and Entertainment
This party was not just about ribs—you know we had to have the best vibes in Lincoln! The Gen X’ers kicked us off and brought the crowd back to the 80s with all the hits.
Kirk Basquez Band kicked off party with their outlaw country vibe. Needless to say, everyone was on their feet dancing by then!
Once the awards were done, DJ Stacey Brown, the official DJ of the Sacramento Kings, kept the afterparty alive with her mix of house party, hip-hop, and party beats.
The fun didn’t stop at music! Attendees also got to test their balance on the mechanical bull!
Our Sponsors
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and the dedication of our volunteers, we were able to raise much-needed funds for local causes.
A special thank you to our incredible sponsors for their contributions:
Rockstar Music Academy:
Conveniently located in Sacramento they have trailers for your professional and recreational needs.
Atlas Disposal:
Has a variety of services to help you improve your environmental impact through green disposal.
And a big thank you to our photographers, including Makin it Happen Photography and Eklin Images! Be sure to check out our event gallery—can you spot yourself?
Without their support, the event simply wouldn’t be possible. Please give these businesses your support, as they play a crucial role in making our community events a success!
Looking Forward to 2025
As we wrap the 2024 12 Bridges Rib Cook-Off, we want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and volunteered. You made this event the best one yet. We hope to see all of you again next year for another incredible cook-off in 2025.
Follow us on social media for updates and announcements about 2025—don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!