Ribs are curved, just like grins. Put the two together, and you had some rib-tickling fun at the 16th annual Northwest Ohio Rib-Off at Promenade Park. In this 1999 Blade archive photo, Nick Delventhal, 6, takes a big bite out of a rib bone, creating an oversized grin. That event pitted 16 restaurants and caterers against each other for top honors. Organizers estimated the three-day event drew 100,000 people. The rib-off is still going strong 25 years later. Barbecue lovers can tuck into this year’s selection of ribs starting this Friday at The Blade’s 41st annual Northwest Ohio Rib-Off at the Lucas County Recreation Center. The festival will feature country music artists and food from six national and three local rib masters. Go to thebladevault.com/memories to purchase more historical photos taken by our award-winning staff of photographers, past and present, or to purchase combinations of stories and photos…