Baby Back Bliss: Contestants Wanted For Frankfort Rib Cook-Off

FRANKFORT, IL — It's that time of year again for barbecue beasts to slap a slab on the grill and show they've got what it takes to be crowned the baby back best at Frankfort's 13th Annual Amateur Rib Cook-Off.

Any and all amateurs — that means no businesses and no professional chefs allowed — can enter by the July 22 deadline to be a contestant. There is a $125 entry fee to compete. The fee includes 15 slabs of baby back ribs that meat maestros can prepare any way they best see fit, whether that be in a pit, cooker or grill, according to the Village of Frankfort.

The Amateur Rib Cook-Off is scheduled for July 30 at Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort. Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place winners, said Village Event Coordinator Sue Lynchey. Contestants will be judged on appearance, tenderness and taste of their ribs. Samples must be submitted to judges by noon.

There will also be a separate trophy for the category of Crowd Pleaser. The public will have the opportunity to sample as many ribs from as many contestants as they like starting at 12:30 p.m. following the judges' sampling. One rib will be given in exchange for one ticket. Whoever collects the most tickets will be declared the Crowd Pleaser.

All proceeds from the sale of food will go to the Frankfort Jaycees, and all proceeds from the sale of beverages — sorry, no alcohol allowed — will go to the Frankfort Lions Club, Lynchey said.

The Village is expecting between 10 and 15 contestants this year, according to Lynchey. Prices for tickets for public tasting are yet to be determined because of inflation and supply chain issues, she said; however, that information will be posted on the Village of Frankfort Facebook page when it becomes available.

For a complete set of rules and to download an application to compete in the Amateur Rib Cook-Off, visit the Village of Frankfort website by following this link. And may the best ribs win!