The Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club held its annual Rib Fest fundraiser at the Staring Lake Amphitheater on June 12.
The event was held in conjunction with the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie. Performances included Just Friends Big Band, Good News Big Band, Bend in the River Big Band, ACME Jazz Company, River City Jazz Orchestra, Genesis Jazz Orchestra, and Jazz on the Prairie Big Band.
Tom Herzog (left) and Brad Freeman. 
The Noon Rotary Club prepared 960 pounds of ribs for the event. 
Gary Gilbertson, a member of the Noon Rotary Club, mans the condiment station. 
Arne Fogel performs “Cheek to Cheek” with the Acme Jazz Company during the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie. 
A Rib Fest Disc Classic Tournament saw 41 teams compete in open and recreational divisions. 
Profits from the Rib Fest support Eden Prairie Noon Rotary Club’s local and international service projects, including My Book Day, the STRIVE program and scholarships for area high school students, and a Rotary ethics workshop for 60 emerging leaders at EPHS. 
Brad Freeman and Tom Herzog cook the ribs. 
Clark Erickson is the creator of the secret barbecue sauce and seasoning salt used on the ribs every year. 
Enjoying some jazz on the prairie. 
Each dinner came with coleslaw and chips. In addition to ribs, the event served pulled chicken sandwiches and hot dogs. Water, wine and beer were also available. 
The River City Jazz Company performs at the Minnesota Festival of Jazz on the Prairie. 
Organizers say this year’s Rib Fest was one of its best in terms of fundraising.