How Ribfest judges determine the best

A dozen rib vendors from around the country will fight for a chance to be named the winner of Naperville Ribfest's rib competition Friday.

While hundreds of thousands of Naperville residents and out-of-town visitors will meander through Knoch Park this weekend in search of the "best" ribs, organizers try to make that difficult decision for you. At 12:15 p.m. on Friday, 25 official judges will gather to determine which vendor has the best ribs and best sauce.

Donna Rice is the owner of Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co. and the 2014 best rib winner.

"Naperville is a very important one to win. It's a very cherished award and we have very stiff competition there," Rice said. "It's a lot of really good ribbers."

To ensure that all meat and sauces are judged fairly, the Kansas City Barbeque Society's official rules, regulations and judging procedures are followed. These include competitors facing disqualification for foul language, excessive complaining about the rules or use of a prohibited garnish.

Judges also are prohibited from fraternizing with competitors until after the contest so no ribber gains an unfair advantage.

Former Naperville Mayor George Pradel has been a competition judge for almost 20 years. He said that silence is emphasized when the ribs are brought out because each assessor must make his or her own decision.

"You have to be quiet because they don't want you talking to each other," Pradel said. "We can't have each other trying to help make the decision."

Each rib is presented in a numbered container to the judges and is graded on appearance before anything else, then taste and tenderness. After the ribs, the sauces are evaluated similarly, first for appearance or smoothness and then for taste. Water and crackers are provided as palate cleansers between every round.

Judges, who must take an oath before the competition, include Ribfest Chairman Bob Pschirrer; Pradel, named a judge emeritus; Ribfest attendees who have won the honor and several others. Ten children also are elected to judge the Kid's Choice Competition.

"It's one of the most sought after positions I think in the whole time of the Ribfest," Pradel said. "I'm so proud, so humbled."

Competition is expected to be fierce once again, but Desperado's is prepared to defend its title.

"We're going to be ready with banners flying," Rice said.

The competition is open to the public.