Orland To Debut 'Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest,' Contestants Sought For Rib Cook-off

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Village of Orland Park is seeking backyard grillers and barbecue enthusiasts for an amateur rib cook-off to be featured in its new event Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest & Parade. Hurry—the deadline is Friday, May 8. You can still sign up and pay online.

Set for Saturday, May 23 at Centennial Park West, the event will feature a parade, rib cook-off, live entertainment, children's activities and a variety of food trucks.

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with a patriotic Red, White & Blue parade, running down Jillian Road and Park Station Boulevard, and wraps with a pyro-musical fireworks display beginning around 9 p.m., the Village announced earlier this week.

Following the parade, the event will showcase a lineup of live music, including Cadillac Groove (R&B, funk, rock, soul and blues), Nashville Nation (country) and Tramps Like Us (Bruce Springsteen tribute). Attendees can also enjoy inflatable bounce houses, children’s crafts, food and beverage vendors and onsite sponsor giveaways.

The amateur rib cook-off will include tasting, judging and prizes for top competitors. Entry for the competition is $100 and includes 10 racks of ribs. Payment can be made online or by mailing a check to the Village of Orland Park Recreation and Parks Department, 14600 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. The registration deadline is Friday, May 8.

"Memorial Day is a time to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for this country. What better way to begin America's 250th birthday year than by coming together as a community during Memorial Day weekend to honor their sacrifice and the enduring promise of this great nation," said Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge. "I am proud to invite every resident to join us for this event as well as a full year of events that reflect our deep gratitude and American spirit."

Following the Red, White & Blue BBQ Fest & Parade, the Village will continue its America 250 celebrations throughout the year with events including the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, themed movie nights, Independence Day festivities, Patriot Day 9/11 concert, the Veterans Golf Classic, annual Veterans Day Ceremony and more.

For a complete list of the Village of Orland Park’s celebratory America 250 programs and events, visit orlandpark.org/America250.