Lee DeWyze rocks Lake in the Hills' Ribfest

The smell of barbecue and hickory smoke hung in the air as large crowds filtered into Sunset Park on Friday to kick off the weekend at Lake in the Hills' Rockin' Ribfest.

Friday was day two of the festival, and long lines formed at the eight barbecue stands, each with an impressive array of trophies. Some of the vendors hailed from as far as Ohio and Georgia.

Many festival attendees, including Bob Hoffman of Crystal Lake, try to make it to each of the stands and try as things as possible.

"We try 'em all," Hoffman said. "Every year's a little different, but there's nothing bad here. It's all good."

As night approached, fans gathered on lawn chairs and blankets - with their plates piled high - to watch Mount Prospect native and American Idol winner Lee DeWyze perform.

The four-day festival runs through Sunday and includes entertainment, a car show, the Barbecue Smack Down Community Cook-Off on Sunday and, of course, plenty of barbecue all weekend.

Festival hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5; free for children 12 and younger and active military members. For a full schedule, visit lithribfest.com.