If you like Oktoberfest small-batch beer, how about pairing it with a large batch of barbecued ribs?

Hungry attendees stood in lines for a chance to devour free rib samples grilled by three contestant groups in an amateur rib competition at Saturday’s Oktoberfest in the Ravinia District of Highland Park.

The trio of teams started their day dressing ribs from scratch and serving them to the public and the judges by midafternoon.

Rain had abated for the announcement of the winners under the mature trees of Jens Jensen Park.

“I’m having a blast,” said Noah Plotkin, the event organizer. “It’s a fantastic, enriching event for the community.”

He added that there are plans “to grow the game” of the Oktoberfest ribs contest in the future.

Keith Brin of Highland Park, who helped to organize t

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