From left to right: Wendy Salter, President of Modern Gas; Ashley Knoefler, Board Chairman; Erin Monahan, President of Jr. League Albany; Mark Holloway, CEO of Modern Gas

Modern Gas Company celebrated the beginning of the season of giving by announcing the proceeds from the 2023 Rib Showdown competition held on Saturday, October 21, at Chehaw Park. A total of $4,832 was raised for the Junior League of Albany, Georgia. 

“We are thrilled that the Rib Showdown successfully generated funds for the Junior League of Albany, Ga for the third year in a row,” said Mark Holloway, Modern Gas CEO. “The League does so much for women and children in our community and it makes us proud to support their efforts.”Erin Monahan, President of the Junior League of Albany, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Modern Gas for selecting their organization as the beneficiary of the 2023 Rib Showdown. "This year's event proceeds are making a direct impact on three vital local organizations: Open Arms Inc., Children’s Miracle Network, and CASA, dedicated to supporting children in foster care. It's more than just financial support; our members found immense joy in volunteering at the event, allowing us to give back to the community in multiple meaningful ways."

This year’s event was expanded to feature a Georgia Barbecue Association (GBA) sanctioned competition in addition to the beloved backyard competition. Thirty-five teams of sanctioned and backyard BBQ rib masters put their rib cooking skills to the test as they competed for the coveted first-place winning title. Winners included:

• GBA Sanctioned Competition:

• Grand Champion – Rescue Smokers ($2,000 + trophy)

• Reserve Champion – Posse Q ($2000 + trophy)

• Backyard Competition:

• First Place – (Trophy + $500 cash)

• Second Place – (Trophy + $300 cash)

• Third Place – (Trophy + $100 cash)

• Fourth Place – (Trophy + $100 gift card)

• Fifth Place – (Trophy + $50 gift card) 

Since its inception 11 years ago, the Rib Showdown has grown into a much-anticipated community event featuring food trucks, activities, grill demonstrations, live local bands, and more. What has made this event even more exciting this year is the addition of the sanctioned GBA competition. 

“Expanding with the GBA competition allowed us to draw grilling enthusiasts from across the southwest Georgia area, amplifying the visibility of our event," remarked Wendy Salter, President of Modern Gas. "We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both our returning and new competition teams. While they fiercely rivaled for the top grand prize, their camaraderie and support for fellow competitors remained remarkably strong, fostering a true sense of teamwork among friends."

Plans are already underway for the 2024 Modern Gas Rib Showdown.