AKRON, Ohio -- Akronites are heading downtown for music, ribs and fireworks during the 41st annual Rib, White and Blue.

Twelve rib vendors are competing for cash prizes and bragging rights in the "Best Of" competition. Vendors include:

Texas Pit BBQ: Texas

Pig Foot BBQ: Ohio

Carolina Rib King: South Carolina

Big Boned BBQ: South Carolina

Cowboy's BBQ: Texas

Pig Tails BBQ: Ohio

BBQ Master: Georgia

Porky Chicks BBQ: Arkansas

Jack on the Bone BBQ: Ohio

Bad Wolfe BBQ: Toronto

Smokin T's BBQ: Ohio

Fine Smoke BBQ: Ohio

Admission is free, and gates open at 11 a.m. There's also bouncy castles, fresh lemonade and all the goodies you'd expect at Lock 3.

Tonight, Absolute Journey, a Journey tribute band, starts at 8:30 p.m., with MDU at 6:30 p.m.

July 4, the Freedom Brass Band plays at 6 p.m. and the Akron Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.

Take a look at photos from the festival by Shane Wynn.