Ribs and Rods rolls into Clio

CLIO— A beloved annual tradition, Ribs and Rods Festival has been going strong in the Clio community for four years and counting, attracting attendees from across the Pee Dee region for a day of fun, community, and of course, ribs and rods! This year’s festival, held last Saturday at the Clio Elementary School, once again did not disappoint, despite the soggy start to the day.

Night of Worship and Memorial Day Celebration

Uniquely, this year’s Ribs and Rods Festival kicked off Friday night with a worship service celebration that featured musical guests Brook Tyner, Noah Tyner, Olivia Emanuel, Tyler Wright, as well as local songstress and Clio Elementary School Principal Ms. Joy Boan Rankin. A special message entitled “Come to the Table” was shared by Pastor Derrick Dease.

Saturday morning may have dawned damp, but the rain did not dampen the patriotic spirit of those who gathered to celebrate the nation’s veterans during the festival’s Memorial Day Service.

Mayor of Clio Adam Pate said he felt honored to provide even a small measure of appreciation and recognition for our veterans.

He said, “Our festival opened with a salute to veterans after the national anthem. We had the distinguished honor of hosting Congressman Russell Fry, as he presented American flags that had been flown over our nation’s capital to two council members who both served in our nation’s military as well as serving on Clio Town Council.”

Town of Clio council members Samuel McCollum and Pearlie Thomas were honored during the festival’s opening ceremonies, alongside other veterans who attended the event. Congressman Fry gave a speech on the celebration of America’s 250th year celebration, highlighting how small towns like Clio play a huge part in America’s history & celebration.

Mayor Pate also recognized Congressman Fry for his great work in bringing $868,000 to the Marlboro County Sheriff’s office.

Competition winners

Best of Show – Justin Robertson of Cheraw with his 1933 Ford 3 Window

Grand Champion (St Louis Ribs) What-a-Pit BBQ

Runner Up: Faron’s BBQ

Best Sauce: Big Ox BBQ

Best Chicken: Tie between What-a-Pit BBQ and Faron’s BBQ

People Choice: Veteran’s BBQ

Whole Hog Grand Champion: Holy Smoke BBQ

Whole Hog Runner Up: Faron’s BBQ

Ribs and Rods

“Festival-goers were extremely excited about seeing over 100 beautiful cars despite the early threat of rain, sampling all of the delicious ribs and whole hog barbecue as well as hearing the live bands that played throughout the day in Clio,” says Mayor Pate, adding, “Tom the Mime was a huge hit and put smiles on the faces of many.”

Pleased with another successful festival, Pate says a focal point of his day was ensuring all visitors felt welcome in Clio.

“As Mayor, I truly enjoyed seeing the pure joy on the faces of the festivalgoers as they hung out all day in Clio. It was especially heartwarming to see the excitement from the BBQ Pit-masters and car show contestants when the winners were announced. Seeing our community coming together and having such a great time was really the best part of the day. I am also very thankful to have visitors from as far as four hours away come be a part of our big day in Clio,” the mayor said.

Teddy and Bobby Brigman joined George Dillard for a fun day in Clio Saturday.

Teddy, who came as a spectator to the festival last year, brought along his 74 Volkswagen and Dillard’s friend Steve Anderson brought his yellow Chevy Chevelle SS for the Car Show. All three said they had a wonderful time despite the early morning rain.

Robin Cole, who brought her impressive 55’ Bel Air for the Car Show, said the day started soggy but stayed fun.

“We didn’t get too wet; the rain didn’t stay long. I love seeing all the cars, it’s my favorite part,” Cole said.

Damon and Sierra Sampson, recent transplants from Pennsylvania, said they had a great time at the festival.

“We are still getting settled in, but everyone is friendly here,” Damon said, adding, “A festival like this up north would have cost an arm and a leg, this was a big deal for us to enjoy free admission.”

Sierra said she particularly enjoyed the car show and meeting Tom the Mime.

Sharoyal Lester, who came with Shamiyah Lester, Shaniyah Greer, and Royalty McKellar, said last year was her first time attending the event.

“Everything has been going good so far. We are looking forward to hearing the bands,” Sharoyal said.

Entertainment and sponsors

Mayor Pate again secured an impressive lineup of performers for the festival that included Next Level Band of Charlotte, Florence native Camryn Gardner, and Purple Madness, a nationally celebrated tribute band to the legendary singer Prince.

Ribs and Rods also included crowd pleasers like the Hartsville Bubble Guy, At the Beach with Don Lockemy, Todd’s Twisted Balloons, 2 Sisters Face Painting, and Tom the Mime.

In addition to inflatables for the kids, Mayor Pate says nearly 50 food and retail vendors were also present for the 2026 Ribs and Rods Festival.

The hard work and dedication of many went into pulling off another successful festival year and several individuals and sponsors assisted. Particularly, McArthur Farms, Scotland Healthcare who sponsored the Classic Car Show, Marty Wright Home Sales, CareSouth who sponsored activities for children during the event, and Hardy Lumber and Barns.