Grills lit up in a fierce competition between barbequed pork vendors on Thursday as the 12th annual Labadie Pig Gig rib competition warmed up in Bay City, Michigan, USA.  Featuring teams from all over the world, atendees of the event get to choose which team has the best taste of barbeque sauce by casting their ballots in designated boxes located all over the park.
Along with the ribs, other food items such as funnel cakes, blooming onions, cotton candy are also served at vendors.
Included with the entry fee into the event is admission to a certain musical performance.  On Friday night, '60s hit artist Gary Puckett hit the stage with a powerful show.  During the performance, an emotional moment erupted when Puckett invited all US war veterans in the crowd to shake his hand on the stage, in which Puckett individually thanked each veteran for their service to their country.  Other acts for the weekend include Wayne Newton, country singer John Anderson and the Margaritaville band.
Although coined as a "national festival", the Pig Gig features teams from other nations, one team came as far away as Australia for the event.
Bay City is the birthplace of pop-singer Madonna and mass murderer John List, and is the background of the name for the Scottish rock band Bay City Rollers.
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User:Mrmiscellanious/Local/International "Pig Gig" rib festival begins