Little Bear Ribfest This Weekend in Vernon Hills

Parents, are you looking to get away from the kids for a night?

The Vernon Hills Park District will hold its second Little Bear Ribfest Aug. 24 and 25 in , 1001 Lakeview Parkway.

The two evenings will feature live music, beverages and, of course, ribs.

"It's a night to call a sitter and have mom and dad come out," said event organizer Marty Walsh. "I think people will enjoy the entertainment."

Walsh said while Ribfest is open to families, there won't be any child-specific activities like carnival rides.

He said the park district put together Ribfest as a result of some community surveys that revealed that while there are plenty of activities for families, there aren't as many events tailored specifically to adults.

"It's one of those events that grew out of the adult community saying, 'There's not much for us,'" said Walsh.

After talking with staff and mulling over various options, the park district decided to hold a large-scale event that features music, food and beverages.

"That seems to be the trifecta," said Walsh.

Ribfest will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 24 and from 3 to 11 p.m. Aug. 25. There is a $5 entrance fee that supports the park district's Family Scholarship Program. Ribs will be sold by six local vendors: Brothers BBQ; Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue; ; The Full Slab Smokehouse and Bar; Uncle Bub's BBQ; and Smokin' T's Bar-B-Que.

Walsh said these vendors were hand-picked by staff because they have actual restaurants in the Chicago area.

"I wanted people to be able to frequent one of the booths at the event and then go visit the actual restaurant," said Walsh. "I wanted to keep it for the restaurants that have an actual presence in the area."

Local nonprofits will also be involved by selling various items. The Vernon Hills Lions Club will help with the beer tent, while the Knights of Columbus will sell pop and water. Walsh said the Rotary Club of Mundelein-Vernon Hills will help at the main admission gate and sell corn.

A highlight of Little Bear Ribfest will be the entertainment. Jamie Lono, "The Voice" contestant and Vernon Hills resident, will perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 24. Walsh said the performance will serve as Lono's album release party.

Grammy award winners Los Lonely Boys will take the stage at 9 p.m. Aug. 24.

"They've had a huge following, so we'e been getting calls from all over the country from people who want to come," said Walsh.

On Aug. 25, the Red, White and Blues Band will perform at 5 p.m., followed by Tallan Noble Latz at 7 p.m. Matt Anderson will then take the stage at 9 p.m.

"Last year was a great success," said Walsh. "We're excited to do it again."

For more information, visit the Little Bear Ribfest website.