Saturday’s cool breeze brought the promise of fall to Clarkson Park Saturday, where sweet and tangy barbecue recipes were tested during the annual rib cook-off.
Hundreds marked their picnic territory, spread out blankets and fired up grills, for the 31st Annual Clarkson Cookout, hosted by the Northfield Park District.
Northfield Park District, executive director, Bill Byron says the event has become a much-loved community tradition, a way for the whole town to spend an afternoon with neighbors, friends and family.
“This event includes kid’s activities, live music, food and beverages sold by Stormy’s Tavern, a bring your own potluck style picnic, and the Steve Soler Memorial Rib Contest where contestants can win bragging rights and trophies in the top 3 categories,” Byron said.
According to Byron, the Northfield State Fair, aka Ribfest, now has a new name, the Clarkson Cookout, which is much less confusing and more descriptive of the event itself.
“This year provided an opportunity for our community to enjoy our newly reconstructed Clarkson Park — with new playground, band shell, splash pad and walking path,” Byron added.
Rib contest judging led by Sean Hofherr of Hofherr Meat Co., and others took place in Clarkson Lodge at 6 p.m., and a fireworks display from Willow Field at dusk were also part of this summer end celebration.
John Yasenak of Northfield says he has been participating in the rib contest for over 20 years.
“There is a lot of preparation, days to get ready for today, and I have been here since 6:30 a.m. this morning cooking ribs and brisket,” Yasenak said.
Sam Smith was born and raised in Northfield and says you see the same faces participating year after year.
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“It’s all in the sauce, and I like mine, not too sweet and not too hot, and this year we are trying a couple of new secret ingredients, lemon and peach beer,” Smith said.
Patrick Kiggins of Northfield says he has been a past trophy winner in the rib contest.
participate in the 31st Annual Clarkson Cookout, hosted by the Northfield Park District, a much-loved community tradition and a way for the whole town to come together to celebrate the end of summer with neighbors, friends and family.
“Everyone has their own method for cooking ribs, you can smoke them or brine them, bake or grill, but cook them low and slow with a dry rub and then topped with a sweet and savory tomato based sauce,” Kiggins said.
This year’s winners were Paul Mosele, 1st place, Jon Laughlin, 2nd place, and Matt Barton, 3rd place.
Judge, Mike Soler of Northfield said ribs are judged on taste, tenderness and presentation.
“The Clarkson Cookout is a tradition that meant a lot to my dad, Steve Soler, and to me and my entire family, we love seeing how his original idea has grown into such a popular event over the years,” Soler said.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.