43,000 Take To 'Bigger And Better' Tinley Ribfest: Village

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park officials are celebrating what they're calling a sizzling second year of Ribfest.

The July 4-7 event organized by Event Wiz drew 43,000 people over its four days, surpassing the Village's original estimates of 40,000 for four days of ribs, live music, and carnival fun. The fest included a fireworks display on July 4, and multiple acts of live music each day.

"It was bigger and better than last year," said Village Manager Pat Carr. "We’re looking to make this an annual event."

In its second year, the event blew past last year's attendance, which officials said tallied 30,000. Organizers and officials kept in place additional security measures implemented in the first year of the fest, including metal detectors at entrypoints, extra security on-site, and a youth supervision policy. Surveillance drones were also circling for security purposes. All was part of the plan to ensure the fest went off safely and with no disruptions, officials said.

"Our public safety team conducts extensive planning and coordination for these type of events to keep our residents and visitors safe," said Village Manager Pat Carr ahead of the event. "We welcome everyone, but if you are here to disrupt and break the law, we will arrest you.

"These events are for families to enjoy, and our public safety team is here to ensure that happens."

There were no known security issues. The heat, though, posed a problem for about a dozen festgoers on July 4, causing a flurry of first responders and some concern in the crowd. All affected were treated on-site and did not require transport for additional car, Carr said.

Bridgeview-based Branding Iron Bar and Grill took top prize for its ribs, picked by attendees. Other contenders included:

• Austin’s Texas Lightning
• Chicago BBQ
• Armadillo’s BBQ
• Aussom Aussie
• Howling Coyote
• Blazin Broncos
• Branding Iron
• Git R Smoked
• Local One

"We are beyond thrilled and honored to be voted the Best Ribs at the Tinley Park Ribfest!" Branding Iron wrote on its social media.

"Your support means the world to us, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the incredible effort and dedication from our amazing team. So much hard work went into this fest, and seeing it pay off is truly rewarding. Thank you to everyone who came out, tasted our ribs, and voted for us. We appreciate each and every one of you!"