Organizers told RTV6's Tanya Spencer they are ready for anything Mother Nature throws at them this weekend, and vendors said they're planning to keep the grills hot.

"The machines will be running 24 hours a day from open until we close up Monday night," one vendor said.

Some attendees planned to beat the rain by coming early. People started lining up as soon as the gates opened Friday.

"No, I won't be back out. This is it, because of the rain," said one early attendee.

Others plan to weather any possible storms.

"Who cares about the rain? It's not a problem really," another attendee said.

Safety officials will be monitoring the radar all weekend, and they'll be in constant communication with the airport, checking in with them every 15 or 30 minutes, even more frequently if necessary.

"We have a contingency for every possible emergency that might come up," Rib America Festival President Dave Lucas said.

Lucas said festival-goers can be quickly evacuated if needed to the nearby NCAA building, Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg underground parking garage.

The stage is built to withstand 90 mph winds.

Organizers urge people to bring umbrellas and ponchos, and not let wet weekend weather ruin the menu of smoky ribs and hot music.

"Come out, we're going to give you a great show," said production manager Steve Gerardi. "And if there's a problem, we're going to deal with it and your safety comes first."

Organizers will only evacuate for lightning or severe weather, and they might take a break for heavy downpours. Otherwise, the show will go on.