Above / Uncle Bub’s takes home trophies for the best ribs and best sauce from 2017 Ribfest.
Today’s the day! Judges assembled at 11AM July 2, 2017, in the sponsors’ tent to taste ribs and sauces to determine the trophy winners and bragging rights for the 2017 Ribfest, the 30th time the Exchange Club of Naperville has hosted the big festival for an even bigger cause.
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The annual judging always brings back memories for judges, some of whom never imagined ribs and barbecue sauce could be so fun and filling! Cheers!
During all the years that PN has observed the much-photographed rib judging, we’ve listened to instructions that advise silence during the competition. Today Mayor Steve Chirico graciously handed over the responsibility to “swear in” the judges to Mayor Emeritus George Pradel.
Pradel asked the volunteer judges to repeat after him.
“I do solemnly swear…to objectively and subjectively evaluate…each barbecue meat and sauce…” Pradel began. “…So that truth, justice, excellence in barbecue and the American way of life may be strengthened and preserved forever… So help me God.”
Former Exchange Club member Mark Rice attended today’s 30th annual judging, bringing back memories of his officiating at Ribfest for many years. As a Certified Kansas City Barbeque Society or KCBS Judge, Rice often advised that the volunteer judges are not allowed to sound utterances such as “Mmmmm Mmmmm good” when they sample a barbecue spare rib or a spoonful of sauce.
The results of the rib and sauce judging were announced at 3PM in time for festival-goers to know when they lineup for dinner on July 2 and all day on July 3.
Congrats to Uncle Bub’s, Best Ribs & Best Sauce for 2017
Congratulations to Uncle Bub’s for victories that shout out the double whammy! Uncle Bub’s takes 1st place for both Best Ribs and Best Sauce at the 2017 Ribfest!
After Uncle Bub’s, Texas Outlaws won the second place trophy, followed by Desperado’s in third place.
Trophies for the top three best-tasting sauces went to Uncle Bub’s, Johnson’s and Porky & Beans, respectively.
Local youth volunteers, ages 7 to 18, selected Desperado’s as the 2017 Kid’s Choice.
And the special 30th Anniversary Award selected by Exchange Club of Naperville past presidents and and Ribfest chairs went to Porky and Beans.
Ribfest is open Sun., July 2, until 10PM. The smokin’ ribs are hot!
The festival opens again at noon, Mon., July 3, for its fourth and final day of fun, food and music.
Fireworks are at dusk with a spectacular grand finale to another Ribfest that’s dedicated toward raising funds and awareness to help prevent child abuse and domestic violence.
For more info, visit www.ribfest.net.
Congratulations 2017 Ribfest Chair Diane Simmons, Rib Judging Chair Dave Harrington and all the volunteers.
