If you like Oktoberfest small-batch beer, how about pairing it with a large batch of barbecued ribs?
Hungry attendees stood in lines for a chance to devour free rib samples grilled by three contestant groups in an amateur rib competition at Saturday’s Oktoberfest in the Ravinia District of Highland Park.
The trio of teams started their day dressing ribs from scratch and serving them to the public and the judges by midafternoon.
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Rain had abated for the announcement of the winners under the mature trees of Jens Jensen Park.
“I’m having a blast,” said Noah Plotkin, the event organizer. “It’s a fantastic, enriching event for the community.”
He added that there are plans “to grow the game” of the Oktoberfest ribs contest in the future.
Keith Brin of Highland Park, who helped to organize the barbecue competition, “We’ve already had three or four teams during this competition come up to us and say they’re interested for next year. We only had about two months to put this together, so we’re really happy about the way it turned out.
“Highland Park is a wonderful place to grow up and be, and Ravinia’s a wonderful place in Highland Park to do this,” he added.
Last year’s Oktoberfest took place at The Lot, just east of the downtown train tracks along the 1800 block of St. Johns Avenue at Central Avenue.
Referring to the Ravinia District, Brin said, “This is literally what a neighborhood is, and this is a neighborhood competition and I can’t think of a better place in my hometown to have it.”
There were gold trophies and three categories. The newly coveted People’s Choice trophy was awarded to a team comprised of friends who banded together to have fun for a cause.
People could drop money into containers at the three team locations as a vote or use QR codes. More than $500 was raised to benefit the township’s pantry families.
The People’s Choice award was also a fundraiser for the Moraine Township food pantry in Highland Park.
People could drop money into containers at the three team locations as a vote, or use QR codes. More than $500 was raised to benefit the township’s pantry families.
Last month, the pantry had approximately 320 visits, according to Moraine Township Supervisor Nancy Shafer, who also indicated that about 20% of students in local schools are registered for free or reduced-price lunches.
The Moraine Township food pantry is set up like a grocery store, she said. “We are always looking to help our neighbors.”
Oktoberfest included music, a stein-holding contest, plus children’s activities. Many visitors brought their leashed dogs.
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said moving the event to Ravinia is “an opportunity for us to spotlight the beautiful setting of this quaint artsy district, and the incredible businesses that are there.
“Ravinia has become its own destination in Highland Park, particularly for family-friendly events,” she said. “It’s a great welcome to fall.”