RibFest back as highlight at Gurnee Days
RibFest has become a highlight of Gurnee Days, and it's back again for this year's event. Jan Boettle, president of the Breakfast Exchange Club of Gurnee, tells us what you need to know.
Q. What makes this a fabulous event?
A. RibFest is our largest fundraiser and requires the greatest amount of labor. We still couldn't meet our goals in Americanism, prevention of child abuse and community involvement without those who sponsor RibFest. Through their monetary and in-kind donations we in turn are able to put on a great family event and make donations to many service agencies in Gurnee and Warren Township.
Q. What is highlight of the event?
A. In the spirit of friendly community competition, the Breakfast Exchange Club has sponsored a rib-eating contest in conjunction with its annual Ribfest fundraiser.
Now in its 7th year, the invitational will feature teams from the following local organizations: Gurnee Police Department, Gurnee Fire Department, Gurnee Park District, Warren-Newport Library, Woodland School District 50, Warren Township District 121, Warren Township Youth Services and Gurnee Days Corp.
The Gurnee Police Department will be defending its crown as winner of the 2008 event.
According to event Chairman Bill West, "Each team looks forward to this annual invitational and the community enjoys us poking a little fun at these wonderful groups that tirelessly serve our community."
"This year, I've been told to expect some stiff competition for our four-time winner, the Gurnee Park District," he added.
Watching the good-natured ribbing - no pun intended - doled out before, during and after the contest is also fun!
Q. What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. Of course, there will be ribs. You can also buy pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, coleslaw, corn, ice cream, cookies, soda, water, beer and wine.
Q. Tell us about the event's volunteers and organizers.
A. It takes the Breakfast Exchange Club and an army of volunteers - including our Excel Club (the young version of Exchange) at the high school, friends and families as well as well as many of the Gurnee-area schools employees - to pull this together. Many of the volunteers have lived their lifetime in the community and have been part of Exchange for a varying number of years. Some are charter members and some are new inductees who in turn have family and friends that also lend a hand at RibFest. All are willing to assist us in our pursuit of helping others.
Q. Is there anything else we should know?
A. The makeup of the Breakfast Exchange Club is from all walks of life: Doctors, lawyers, judges, education professionals, business people, local politicians, and police, fire and parks and recreation employees. Exchange is a group open to all who want to help others. Money made on this and other events is returned to the community.
<p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>If you go</b></p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>What:</b> Breakfast Exchange Club of Gurnee's RibFest</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>When: </b>11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Rib-eating contest at 3 p.m.</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Where:</b> Viking Park, on Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>Cost:</b> No admission cost. Food and raffle tickets will be for sale. Proceeds benefit several nonprofit groups in Gurnee and Warren Township.</p> <p class="factboxtextbold12col"><b>More info: </b>Bill West at (224) 538-2006 or bill@wbwagency.com</p>