Firefighters to Participate in Rib Cook-Off on Saturday

As Libertyville Days planner Dee Cox says, prepare to see some "smokin' firemen."

This year's will feature a rib cook-off that will pit firefighters from four local firehouses against each other. The Andy Yarc will take on firefighters from the Countryside, Lake Bluff and Lake Forest fire departments.

The rib cook-off is slated for 1 p.m. June 16 in the beer garden.

Dee Cox, who is in her ninth year planning the Libertyville Days festival, said is underwriting the event and supplying the ribs. The ribs will be judged on a variety of criteria, including smokiness and taste.

Cox said the panel of "celebrity" judges will include Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler and Mickey Finn's owner Brian Grano.

Though Libertyville Fire Chief Rich Carani doesn't anticipate an all-out battle between the firefighters, he said they'll "probably throw a few zingers back and forth."

"Our guy's a pretty good cook," he said. "It's all fun and brings some camaraderie. It's always fun to have some competition among departments."

"I'm looking forward to it," added Carani. "It's going to be a lot of fun."