The Sauced Hogs team prepare for how they will present their dish at the 2014 Rhythm & Ribs.

TIFTON — Rhythm & Ribs returns this weekend.

Festival organizers for the Rhythm & Ribs barbecue festival, which will be held this weekend at Fulwood Park, said the early response to this year’s event is encouraging and they believe this year’s will be the largest event yet.

“We have had teams pre-register earlier than they have before and it’s really picked up over the last week,” said Angela Elder, one of the festival’s organizers. “The weather forecast looks great and everything is falling into place for a great weekend.”

Nearly 30 professional teams are expected to compete in the event, which is sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association and nearly as many teams are expected for the Backyard competition.

GBA rules strictly stipulate that professional teams are not allowed to hand out samples during the competition but they are given the opportunity to be a barbecue vendor.

There will be around 10 barbecue vendors at the festival between those who are just vending but not competing and those doing both.

The winners of both the professional and the backyard competitions will be announced during the award ceremony at 3:30 in front of the Syd Blackmarr Stage.

Music will get under way Friday night as the Daniel Parrish Band will play in the park beginning at 6 with the Derrick Dove Band playing from 8-10 p.m.

A full day of activity begins at 10 a.m. Saturday as Dr. Arvin Scott and his “Beat The Drum” interactive show gets this started.

He will be followed by Bonnie Blue, the Matt Brantley Band and the Heather Gillis Band prior to the awards ceremony.

The Packway Handle Band will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. followed by Jesse Keith Whitley at 6:45 p.m. and the Marcus King Band at 8:30.

“It’s a great lineup of music,” Elder said. “The Marcus King Band is selling out everywhere so the chance to see them play for free is attracting a lot of attention. We’ve had calls from fans who are flying here just to see them play.”

On the Community stage, there will be a Pet Costume Contest from 10-11 a.m. followed by the Carolyn Ellis School of Dance at 11 a.m.

Jen Anders and Tanner Strickland will play at 12:30 p.m. followed by the Mood Doctors (2-3 p.m.), Brady Clampitt (4:15-5:15 p.m.) and Jamie Renee and the Walkers (5:45-6:45 p.m.).

Over 100 total vendors will be spread throughout the park, selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, toys, collegiate items, food and more. The Kids’ Area will feature bounce houses, a rock wall, zip line, mechanical bulls, monster water balls and other games.

The public will not be able to park inside Fulwood Park on the day of the event but parking will be available on the streets around the event. Also, shuttles will be running from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., picking up visitors at the parking lot on Love Avenue across from First Baptist Church, the First United Methodist Church area on 12th Street and the Tift-Town Shopping Center on Love Avenue.

Volunteers are still needed to assist at the event. Anyone or any group that would like to participate can contact the Spearman Agency at 229-386-0216. More information about the festival can be found at www.tiftonribsfest.com.