Weekend Review: 4th, Ribfest, Weather

What a weekend. Dirtswimming has a lot of little to report from the second longest weekend of the year.

The Naperville Ribfest was given mixed reviews. Prospector and Moleman arrived after parking nearly 1/2 mile away. First line was for beer. 25 minutes later we received our pleasantly cool cups which were downed in 30 seconds. Next up was the main attraction: ribs. There were a lot more rib vendors in attendance this year, and a lot more people to serve. The first stop for Prospector and Moleman was Texas Outlaws BBQ. After waiting in a sea of people (above left), Prospector was ripped off by a condescending teenager who insisted 7 ribs was a full slab. Upon complaining, 4 more ribs were added and we were told that we now got a free half slab. Texas Outlaws BBQ is now at the bottom of the list. Next stop was Desperado's for another half slab. This time, a half slab was 7 ribs as listed. Much better quality, much better service. Beer tasted better after washing it down as well. Final stop before avoiding the REO Speedwagon crowd was Aussom Aussie Barbeque Co. for a to-go 1/2 slab. They did not disappoint.

The rest of the weekend was hot and full of family fun and golf. If it was hot in Chicago, it was steaming in Rockton, IL at the Macktown Golf Course for some skeeter swatting, wild turkey viewing, and golf ball hunting.

The 4th itself was headache as many people vented on Eric Zorn's blog. But there was some good news to be had, and that was the addition of Ben Wallace. So some fireworks were worth celebrating this holiday.