The air smelled of smoke and barbecued meats at the opening of the annual Rib, White, and Blue Festival, which kicked off in downtown Akron today. The sky was cloudy, but the rain held off until late afternoon, making for a busy Wednesday lunch crowd at the festival. Many of the rib vendors had lines several people deep, and more attendees sat at tables spread along South Main Street, eating ribs, pulled pork, brisket and a smorgasbord of side dishes, including macaroni and cheese, collard greens and roasted corn on the cob.