Lake Villa Township to hold 2nd RibFest
Barbecue lovers from across Lake County will convene at Caboose Park Saturday, Jan. 29, for the second annual Lake Villa Township Winter RibFest.
The event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at the park, 37908 N. Fairfield Road.
Township officials and Tony’s Butcher Shop in Grayslake will provide the meat for contestants. The entry fee is $50 per recipe.
Entrants will be split into two categories: ribs in sauce and dry-rubbed ribs. Awards will be given for taste, appearance, tenderness and texture. Two people’s choice prizes will be awarded, too.
The event is sponsored by the Daily Herald. Judges will include the two Daily Herald reporters whose names appear atop this article.
Dozens of people attended last year’s inaugural event, braving 20-degree temperatures to enjoy freshly made ribs, chicken, shrimp and other dishes cooked up by eight teams of contestants.
In addition to the food, family activities include ice skating, snow sculpting, sled races, a children’s broom ball tournament and crafts.
Lake Villa Township Supervisor Daniel Venturi said the winter date was picked specifically because people are looking for an excuse to break their cabin fever and do something fun.
“It’s actually a good fit for the township,” Venturi said. “The township used to have a family picnic, but there is a lot going on (locally) in the summer.”
Venturi added that organizers made sure Winter RibFest would not compete against the Super Bowl. Based on the level of interest so far, up to 20 teams may be entered in the competition.
In addition to the two Daily Herald reporters, the RibFest judges will include Republican state Sen. Suzi Schmidt of Lake Villa, GOP state Rep. JoAnn Osmond of Antioch, Lindenhurst Mayor Susan Lahr and Lake Villa Mayor Frank Loffredo. Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh of McHenry has been invited to judge, but he has not yet officially committed, Venturi said.
Admission is one nonperishable food item for the Lake Villa Township food pantry.
For entry rules, go to lakevillatownship.org or call the township office at (847) 356-2116.