By Matt Nielsen of the Lake Bluff Barbeque Society

Are you ready for some warm and gracious hospitality in downtown Lake Bluff? Please join us on Saturday, October 6th, as the LAKE BLUFF BARBEQUE SOCIETY hosts its annual, all day RibFest on the Village Green. This annual event brings out the most committed barbecue enthusiasts to strut their stuff in this rib only barbecue competition. No need to travel south of the Mason-Dixon line to enjoy mouth watering tastings from the twenty competing teams (while supplies last). Founded in 2002 by the backyard BBQ as a fun, community event, RibFest has quickly grown into the richest barbecue competition on the Lake Bluff circuit.

The annual RibFest event also doubles as a generous fundraiser for the Shields Township Food Pantry. In these continued hard economic times the Lake Bluff Barbecue Society members are pleased to support this important resource in our communities. Funds are raised as attendees donate money to represent votes for the People’s Choice Award.

The Grand Champion is rewarded with a larger than life trophy and First place blue ribbon. Second through fifth place teams all receive ribbons as does the People’s Choice Recipient. In addition, showmanship recognition is given to that team that best decorates their cooking space.

Past Grand Champions have been:
2011 – Big Pig Little Pig
2010 – Big Pig Little Pig
2009 – Smokey & The Pit Crew
2008 – Smokey & The Pit Crew
2007 – Black Pig

The People’s Choice award is given to that team which generates the most votes by the attending public. Each vote is collected by an independent authority and costs $1.00. All proceeds are donated to the Shields Township Food Pantry. The winner in 2011 was The Circle Jerks and the Lake Bluff Barbeque Society was proud to provide a whopping $2,550 in total donations to the Shields Township Food Pantry.

The Showmanship Award is given to the team that best shows their barbecue and team spirit by decorating their cooking space. The 2011 award was given to Smokey and the Pit Crew.

Eligible teams must have the chief cook residing or working in the Village of Lake Bluff, Lake Bluff Park District or Lake Bluff Elementary School District boundaries. For more information please contact Matt Nielsen at mattn@nielsenmassey.com.