Down-home barbecue, blues coming to the park

Experts will fire up their smokers to the soulful sounds of blues this weekend for the first Ruskin-SouthShore Chamber of Commerce Pigs in the Park celebration.

This barbecue, blues and beer festival, which includes the chamber's annual fishing tournament, will be at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin

Allow me to whet your appetite.

Of particular interest to me is Earl Thompkins of Ribs on the Rail. During the week, he sits behind the wheel of a Hillsborough County school bus. But on Saturdays you'll find him serving barbecue to a steady stream of customers from his converted trailer that once carried leather-fern fronds.

The 52-year-old makes his own sauces and rubs, and after 22 years of making barbecue for family, friends, parties and reunions he's mastered the art. His father owned a barbecue restaurant in Pierson.

I recently stopped and visited Earl at his Ribs on the Rail location in front of the family-owned Tower Dairy on 78th Street in Progress Village.

This isn't fine dining.

At a previous location up the road, Earl said he provided a few tables and chairs for his customers. Now, just a strong air gust away from the cow pasture, he said he hasn't had too many requests for alfresco dining. But that's not what people come for. It's his delicious barbecue.

Ribs are his specialty. They're meaty and tender, juicy and not too smoky - the kind of food that kills conversation until it's gone. All you hear are the guttural sounds of people enjoying good food.

Earl's excellent accompaniments include creamy coleslaw, potato salad and baked beans. The beans were rather unique, with a good mix of sweet and spice. He offers only one dessert for those with a sweet tooth, but it's one most people won't object to - red velvet cake.

Look for Earl and other extraordinary barbecue cooks at Pigs in the Park. There should be plenty of cookin' on stage and off.

Local renowned blues artist Gene "Sarasota Slim" Hardage and his feisty electric guitar will kick off the action Friday night at 6 p.m. Beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, The Bottomfeeders, Gypsy Hyway and Top Shelf Blues Band will take over the stage.

Sounds like hog heaven to me.