What’s cookin’? A whole lotta ribs
By Long Hwa-shu Special to The News-Sun January 29, 2012 6:26PM
Lake Villa-01/28/12, Sat./Caboose Park Kevin Parker, of Zion with Ragin Cajun 1 &2 works on wings during Ribfest. Many vendors made other items besides rib's for fundraiser to the food pantry Saturday in Lake Villa. | Joe Shuman~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: March 30, 2012 1:30AM
The campaign team of Lake County Board candidate Tom Weber won the Sauced Division at the third annual Lake Villa Township Winter Ribfest.
Weber, a Republican candidate for the District 3 seat, attributed the victory to the family recipe of his campaign volunteer, Mike Rioux.
“I’ve been to his home for barbecue. It was always delicious,” said Weber 45, of Lake Villa and owner of Weber and Sons, a general contractor.
For Weber, a political newcomer, winning in the rib contest was undoubtedly politically delicious. His booth at the fest was festooned with the slogan, “Help Tom Spice up the County Board.”
The Susanna Farms team, led by Laura Hefferman of Lake Villa, won the Dry Rib Division.
Despite the frigid weather, 16 teams hotly competed at the outdoor event at Caboose Park (Fairfield and Route 132). About 250 people attended the fun-packed fest, which raised more than $2,700 for the township’s food panty.
Nielsen’s Ski Doo team RPM received the People’s Choice Award for raising the most money for the cause from a team. It raised $737.75.
The Susanna Farms team also won the Crowd Favorite award for its Halloween-themed decoration at its booth.
Brian Everett of Lindenhurst was the champion for consuming the most ribs in three minutes — a new addition to this year’s event. Everett competed against seven others. He gulped down 1.5 pounds and apparently enjoyed every mouthful of it.
Daniel Venturi, Lake Villa Township supervisor, called the festival “a great success” and promised another Ribfest for next year.
“People braved the frigid weather to enjoy ribs. It was a lot of fun and we raised a good amount of money needed for the food panty,” he said.
With the uncertain economy, more people have been using the food pantry. Last year, it served nearly 800 people, Venturi said.
Admission to the event was a donation of a non-perishable food item.
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