VIDEO: Barbecue Masters Compete for Bragging Rights in Lake Bluff

Expect billowing clouds of mouth-watering aroma floating about Lake Bluff's Village Green on Saturday, Sept. 24, during the Lake Bluff Barbeque Society’s annual Ribfest.

A change from the usual October date, Saturday’s free event still will feature barbecue enthusiasts vying for bragging rights on who has the best ribs in town.

Saturday’s Ribfest setup begins at 7:30 a.m. Judging is staggered at 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m.

Competitors are local grillers who enjoy cooking ribs over wood or charcoal fires. Each competing team is free to use its own method and seasoning, but rules dictate that ribs must be cooked on the premises.

“The beauty of the contest lies in the vast perception of what makes good ribs,” said founder Christian Erzinger, of . “Some prefer lollipops that fall off the bone; others want something with a bit more grilled taste and texture.”

"We try to vary it up every year,” Erzinger continued. "Sometimes we make ribs hot and spicy, other times traditional and at times not having a sauce but a rub. The big thing is mastering the cooking technique so it is quality when the meat comes out.”

This year, 20 teams will compete to win the Grand BBQ Champion reward of a larger-than-life trophy, bottle of champagne and first-prize ribbon. Second- through fifth-place teams also will be recognized, and a showmanship award will be given to the group displaying the best team spirit within their decorated cooking area, said Ribfest organizer Matt Nielsen, also of Lake Bluff.

Another popular recognition is the People’s Choice award, given to the team that generates the most votes by the attending public.

The idea for Ribfest originated nine years ago when friends were enjoying Fourth of July festivities at the beach.

“We all brought food down to watch the band. One person brought some ribs he made and proclaimed them the best ever. The other two were skeptical and claimed they made better. We decided to have a contest and let judges decide whose were the best,” said Erzinger.  

In 2002, Erzinger and the new Lake Bluff Barbeque Society approached the village with the idea of holding a Ribfest on the Village Green. The village favored the proposal and rules for competition were modeled after barbecue contests around the country.

The event is free, but each casting vote cost $1. Proceeds will be donated to the Last year, the Ribfest generated $2,550 for the food pantry.