Ribs, rock and rides raise funds for LITH Rotary

The ground at Lake in the Hills' Sunset Park was still soggy from the intense storm that ripped through the area Friday night, but waterlogged fields and windy conditions did not dampen attendance at the third annual Rockin' Rotary Ribfest Saturday.

"People come out in droves," said Tom Stock, co-chairman of the four-day event. "It is a great event for the community and like I have said before, it is good for the community and good for your stomach."

And their stomach was what most people were thinking about when they walked through the gates.

Though the fest is the signature fundraiser for the Lake in the Hills Rotary, eating barbecue ribs, pulled pork and elephant ears were at the forefront of many minds. With seven ribbers - or rib cookers - and a handful of other vendors serving festival favorites, patrons didn't need to look far for a fix.

"I came to eat the ribs and have fun, listen to music," said Samantha Sujet, 14 of Gilberts, whose favorite ribs were from Texas Outlaws.

Carol Barwacz, 51, of Bartlett had her first taste of the Lake in the Hills rib fest Saturday as part of a girls' day out with her friends, Cheryl Borgardt, 56, of Algonquin and Georgene Otzko, 57, of Schaumburg.

"We are here to eat," said Barwacz, holding a carryout container of ribs from Armadillo's. "But it is also the atmosphere with the people and food. It is a beautiful day, so you have to take all of that."

For the Grund family from Lake in the Hills, the event was a way to support a worthwhile organization, as well as a way to satiate their appetites.

"The Rotary is a good cause that supports the local community," said Monica Grund, 37, standing with her husband Mike, 38, and their three children. "We are part of that community and it is fun to have this kind of event in our neighborhood to draw other people in."

This year, organizers added an extra day only to see it washed away by Thursday's fierce weather. Stock said the event closed at 7:30 p.m., right as the night's first band took the stage.

But the washout Thursday was erased by record crowds on Friday night, Stock said. Though exact gate numbers were not available, Stock said attendance eclipsed the fest's Friday night numbers from the past two years.

Rockin' Rotary Ribfest continues today from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road.