Ribfest Goers: Expect 50,000 Pounds of Barbecue

Fire up the grill, it’s time to prepare for Ribfest 2013, the only three-day barbecue celebration on the North Side.

The dates have been announced as June 7-9 in Northcenter. Ribfest will have 50,000 pounds of BBQ and 25 hours of food, fun and music, according to its organizer, the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce.

In 15 years, the festival has evolved from one day in a parking lot to a full weekend that spans Lincoln Avenue between Irving Park and Berteau Avenue.

With more than 20 bands and 15 meat vendors, the event attracted almost 50,000 people in 2012, according to chamber officials.

True meat-eaters can earn their bones at RibMania, the rib-eating contest on June 7. Winner Tim “Gravy” Brown dominated 7.8 pounds of ribs in eight minutes, a new festival record, the Center Square Journal reported in 2012.

And families, don’t be intimidated by the beefy atmosphere, there will be a kids game and activity center on Saturday and Sunday.  

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