Visitors and vendors traveled from all over the United States to take part in the 40th annual “Rib, White and Blue, Akron’s National Rib Festival,” which began Wednesday.“It seems smaller this year, but that doesn’t make the ribs any less good,” said Roslyn Taylor Christian, 38, of Akron. “There’s nothing better than coming out to support this city.”Jack Hart of Pomeroy and his brother, Lance, of Kenton, traveled across the state to attend the festival with friend Mike Roberts of Bath.“We do this every year,” Roberts said.