Little Bear Ribfest returns Aug. 19 and 20

The Vernon Hills Park District's annual Little Bear Ribfest will be from 6-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, and 3-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, in Century Park, 1001 Lakeview Parkway, Vernon Hills. Entry is $5; free for kids younger than 5.

Six vendors will be on hand selling their ribs, including Big Ed's BBQ, Real Urban Barbecue, The Full Slab Smokehouse and Bar, Uncle Bub's, BBQ'd Productions Bar & Grill and Smokin' T's Bar-B-Que.

A full slab of ribs will cost around $25, with a half slab for around $15 (prices may vary slightly). Each vendor will also sell a sample portion.

In addition to the ribs, roasted corn will be available from the Mundelein/Vernon Hills/Lincolnshire Rotary Club, and Bobo's Diner will be the festival's official dessert vendor.

This year's entertainment showcases local blues artists. Friday night's entertainment begins with Kevin Purcell & the Nightburners at 7 p.m. John Primer & the Real Deal Blues Band take the stage at 9 p.m. On Saturday, The Red, White, and Blues Band will perform at 6 p.m.; Chicago Blues Super Session follows at 7 p.m.; and Mark Hummel & the Blues Survivors take the stage at 9 p.m.

Free parking will be available at the Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Center, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills. There will be a free shuttle from 6-11:30 p.m. each night. (Do not use the private parking lots adjacent to the festival grounds).

No coolers or outside food or beverages (other than baby food) are allowed in the park. Pets are not allowed in the park other than approved service animals.

For festival details, visit www.littlebearribfest.com or call (847) 996-6800. To buy tickets online, visit www.vhparkdistrict.org/event/little-bear-ribfest-2.