The annual Ribfest in Lake Bluff is just around the corner! This Saturday, Oct. 7th, on the village green is where

all the madness will go down. There will be ribs, Mac-n-Cheese, slaw, more ribs, lawn games, chatter, more ribs, judges, the amazing barbeque smell, and once again more ribs. 

Set up for this all-day event starts at six in the morning. Yep, you heard that right! Bluffers crowd downtown Lake Bluff to taste the ribs slow-cooked to perfection by their very own neighbors. Everyone comes to try all the food, but they stay for the good time that comes with it. 

Sophomore Campbell Gore explains that she loves “seeing everyone in the neighborhood come together to enjoy time with one another.” 

This has become an annual tradition for some. Like sophomore Fin Michael who has gone since 2014 when he first moved here, along with Colin McBean, a Lake-Bluffer participating this year who has been many times in the past 15 years. 

McBean created a team with his church, but has a deeper motivation than just having some fun.  “While we’re excited to grill award-winning ribs on Saturday, our church’s commitment to serving others is our motivation to get involved.” said McBean. 

This event holds many memories for families and friends. Many say, Ribfest is a day of “bringing the community together.” 

“Hundreds of people come to town of all ages and it’s an all day event and everyone gets together to hang out and eat awesome barbeque,” said Junior Ryan Rice. Rice has been going to Ribfest since she was in fourth grade and loves everything about it. Not only does she love the food but she loves the “fun and friendly competition” ribfest presents. 

This event is so unique because it is all for charity. Many make donations to try the amazing food. Ribfest’s charity partner is Beef4Hunger. Beef4Hunger’s main goal is to take those donations and buy beef from American Food Group and deliver it to food shelters or hunger relief organizations for those in need. 

“This adds a very positive, good-hearted and fun-filled atmosphere, all in the spirit of community outreach,” said McBean. 

If you choose to attend, you will be supporting our amazing community and getting to try some of the yummiest ribs to walk the North Shore! 

If you want to learn more about this awesome event visit, click here!