Ribfest returns as Gurnee Days tradition

A Gurnee tradition will return as the Breakfast Exchange Club of Gurnee hosts the Annual Ribfest on Saturday, Aug. 14, at Viking Park. The fundraising event, held in conjunction with the four-day Gurnee Days community festival, will benefit child abuse prevention and other community service activities within the greater Gurnee and Warren Township areas.

"Over its 10-plus year span, this event has raised nearly $350,000 to support programs and activities to prevent child abuse and other service organizations in Lake County. We are pleased to be a part of Gurnee Days and are grateful for the community's support of our event over the years," said event chair Bill Froese.

The Ribfest will begin with full meal service at 11 a.m. and will include barbecue ribs, roasted corn on the cob, pulled pork, hot dogs and all the fixings and garden fresh salad. Beer and wine will be served beginning at 3 p.m.

The highlight of the event will be the popular rib-eating contest at 3 p.m. with emcee Mike Caplan, WLS-TV meteorologist and Warren Township High School graduate. Open only by invitation, past competitors have included teams from Gurnee Fire, Gurnee Police, Gurnee District 56, Woodland District 50, Warren Township High School District 121, Gurnee Park District, The Warren-Newport Public Library and the weekend's sponsoring agency, the Gurnee Days Corp. The Gurnee Park District has won the event four out of the past six years.

Visitors will have a chance to win cash prizes by purchasing 50-50 raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and can be purchased on the day of the event.

"Ribfest is a great place for families to spend a Saturday with plenty of food and the traditional Gurnee Days offerings of great entertainment, amusement rides and a spectacular fireworks show," added Froese.

For more information on Ribfest 2010 or about the Breakfast Exchange Club of Gurnee, contact Froese at (224) 616-4789 or email bfroese@earthlink.net.