Ribs will be front and center in Grayslake
Pork aficionados or those just looking to have a good time should put Grayslake on their agendas for Saturday.
That's when a benefit Downtown Rib Throwdown contest will occur on Center Street, between Slusser and Whitney streets. Cooking and setup for barbecue teams will start at 5 a.m., with the event officially running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Along with the cook-off, the event will feature bands, food, soft drinks and beer.
Michael Pruitt, partner and head of operations at the Vine Martini & Wine Bar in downtown Grayslake, is one of the event's organizers. He said the Down Home Sophisticates will be playing blues as the featured musical act.
All ribs cooked by the contestants will be available for purchase, he said, along with food from a side tent. He said 13 to 15 teams are expected for the inaugural event.
Serious contestants are expected in the rib cook-off. Teams had to pay a $100 entry fee that includes the pork ribs.
Each team will have a designated chief cook who will be responsible for all communication with Oasis officials during the contest and responsible for turning in the ribs. The chief cook may have as many assistants as deemed necessary.
Organizers have made it clear that contestants must be on good behavior during the Downtown Rib Throwdown. For example, the official rules state that teams may be disqualified for excessive alcohol use by members or guests. No alcohol will be allowed in the cooking areas unless if it's for the barbecue.
Money raised from the event will go to The Oasis youth center at 151 Hawley St. in downtown Grayslake, which is designed for those 12 to 18 years old. It's a place where youths can relax, mingle and participate in everything from homework help to movie nights.
Check grayslakeriboff.com for more information.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p>
<p class="News"><b>What:</b> Downtown Rib Throwdown</p>
<p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Downtown Grayslake on Center Street, between Whitney and Slusser streets</p>
<p class="News"><b>When:</b> 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18</p>
<p class="News"><b>Highlights:</b> Teams cooking ribs in competition, bands, food, soft drinks and beer</p>
<p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://grayslakeriboff.com" target="new">grayslakeriboff.com</a></p>