The four-day festival features all the barbecue you could ever want, plus live music.
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"We're just two brothers who like meat and we're going to rank them as best we can," said David Okrzekik, who attended the Naperville Ribfest.
Gates open at noon daily at Knoch Park. The theme for this year's festival is "Last Nights at Knoch" since the festival is moving to Romeoville next year.
Naperville Ribfest gets underway Wednesday in Knoch Park
Ribfest 2019 is scheduled for July 3-6. Headliners include Billy Idol on Wednesday, KC and the Sunshine Band, Flo Rida and a fireworks display Thursday, Brantley Gilbert on Friday and Bad Company on Saturday.
Jake Chinn, the pit master for Armadillo's Rib & BBQ Co., traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, to complete along with 10 other vendors for bragging rights this year.
"Every year it's something that we wish was year round. We love doing this, it's great to be out here cooking food serving people. We love to be out here in Naperville," Chinn said.
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Champion 'ribber' Mark Link, owner and chef at Uncle Bub's BBQ in Westmont, joined ABC7 Wednesday morning to talk about Naperville Ribfest. Last year he won all three titles for 'Best Ribs,' 'Best Sauce' and 'Kids Choice.' He said his secret to winning is patience.
"It's a lot of practice, take your time low and slow, and cook from the heart," Link said.
Over the past 31 years, the festival has raised $17.5 million for charities for children of child abuse and domestic violence.
Admission is $5 and concert tickets start at $30.
For more information, visit ribfest.net.
ABC7 is a proud sponsor of Naperville Ribfest.