Organizer: Elgin RibFest biggest in four years
Elgin Ribfest's reputation has been a little, well, lackluster, but organizers are determined to change that this weekend.
The food and music lineup includes out-of-state barbecue vendors who make the summer fest rounds, and three nights of local headliners known for drawing crowds, said Bryant Haniszewski, one of the directors of Elgin Ribfest. The event takes place Friday through Sunday at Festival Park along the Fox River.
The barbecue vendors will be After Hours BBQ, Fine Smoke and BG's Main Events Inc. - all hailing from Ohio - which will join Salt Creek BBQ of Glendale Heights and The Texan BBQ of Algonquin.
Bands Hi Infidelity, 7th Heaven and American English will headline on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
This year's Ribfest will offer more activities than past editions, Haniszewski said, such as a kids' workshop sponsored by Elgin's Home Depot on Saturday. A car, truck and motorcycle show sponsored by BGV Motorsports and a touch-a-truck event featuring Elgin's first responders takes place Sunday.
The festival is the biggest in four years "without a doubt," Haniszewski said, adding the weather is expected to cooperate.
"There has been great effort put into focusing attention on the food and making sure we're giving people what they are looking for, and making sure people are excited to be there for the food and the music," he said.
Additional choices will include Chinese food, Mexican fare, hot dogs, beef sandwiches and Italian ice.
The festival also will showcase two Chicago-area teen bands, Serendipity and LiveWire, on Sunday. "They are very talented. We wanted to give the next generation a new opportunity to play at a big outdoor event," Haniszewski said.
A one-day pass is $5, with kids younger than 10 free; a three-day pass is $7.50 and can be purchased online at elginribfest.com.
Organizer NTD Events will give part of the proceeds - based on the festival's success - to the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin, Haniszewski said.