Ribfest temporarily disrupted by protester

Rockin’ Rotary Ribfest kicked off at Sunset Park on Thursday with a new carnival located in the parking lot adjacent to the skate park off Haligus Road.

The new location and increased attendance required new parking accommodations on the north side of Bark Park. However, this new parking area temporarily was barricaded at the start of the festival by a protester upset with the damage the traffic may cause to the dog park.

Officers tried to speak with the subject and tried to get her to move to an area where she could protest safely without blocking the parking area. However, the subject refused and was subsequently detained, according to a news release from the Lake in the Hills Police Department.

The subject was issued a trespass warning and turned over to a family member who agreed to take her off the property, according to the release.

According to a Facebook post on the village’s website, the decision to relocate Ribest was not preferred but it was determined the best solution given this year’s circumstances.

“We understand the concerns for the safety of our community’s pets at the Bark Park and know how important this is to all of our members,” according to the post. “Following the event, all sites will be inspected for debris, trash, hazards, and thoroughly cleaned to ensure the safety of our members and their pets.”

The south portion of the Bark Park will remain open for use to park members. The Bark Park will fully reopen to all members when the grounds are determined to be safe for all visitors.

All Ribfest sites also will be core aerated to support turf health and slit seeded as necessary to increase turf coverage, according to the Facebook post.

Rockin' Ribest, the Lake in the Hills' Rotary Club's signature fundraiser, will run until 7 p.m. Sunday. For information on the festival, visit www.lithribfest.com.