Teams/eaters wanted for Lake Villa Winter Ribfest

Teams are being sought to join up and take part in the annual Lake Villa Township Winter Ribfest at Caboose Park.

The fourth annual event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28, pits amateur cooking teams against each other with the ultimate goal of producing the best ribs in Lake Villa.

Cooking of the ribs kicks off at 7 a.m., with judging scheduled for 2 p.m.

Teams must cook baby-back pork ribs from Tony’s Butcher Shop in any style they choose, then serve it to judges for grading.

The event is to raise money for the Lake Villa Township Food Pantry. Admission to the event is a nonperishable food item for the food pantry.

In addition to the best rib contest, people are asked to take part in the township’s first rib-eating contest.

Those with a large appetite are urged to join the contest to see who can put down the most ribs in three minutes.

No alcoholic beverages may be consumed during the eating contest, and no one will be allowed to touch the ribs prior to the contest beginning.

Participants will begin with a three-pound plate of ribs, and the winner will be decided according to the total amount of meat eaten.

For both contests, people must be 18 years of age or older to participate, and a valid ID must be brought to the competition site.

Only 10 contestants will be allowed for the rib-eating contest and will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. All contestants must check in to their contests an hour before the start of their event.

In addition to the ribs, there are fun and games for the whole family.

For more information about Winter Ribfest, to sign up a team, or join the rib-eating contest, check out the township website, lakevillatownship.org. Rules and regulations for participants are also available on the website.

For even more information, call (847) 356-2116.