2013 Rockin' Rotary Ribfest Likely Most Successful Yet

Great weather, hot bands and lip-smacking BBQ ribs added up to huge attendance numbers this year for the Lake in the Hills Rockin' Rotary Ribfest. 

The 8th Annual Ribfest was held July 11 to 14, at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Rd., Lake in the Hills. And, while organizers are still counting the numbers, Ribfest Chairman Jim Wales said it's looking like this year's fest is the most successful, yet. 

"We are still in the process of finalizing the numbers," said Wales, who also is the Director of Police and Public Safety for LITH. "It would appear this year's event would be the most successful since we started it."

Attendance for the four-day festival was strong every day, Wales said. Good weather, a selection of eight champion ribbers, a beer garden, carnival games and some of Chicagoland's hottest bands drew the crowds. Soul Asylum was one of the bands featured on Saturday. 

"Thursday and Saturday were record-breaking days for us (compared to past Thursdays and Saturdays) at the festival," Wales said.

Last year, excessive temperatures wilted attendance for the festival. 

Rockin’ Ribfest is the primary fund-raising event for the Lake in the Hills Rotary Club. The club is a service organization comprised of area business and professional leaders.

Using Ribfest proceeds, the Rotary donates money to local community organizations.