At the “Embracing Diversity” book study last week, Dr. Darrell Jodock commented on a great concern for public health: that is, the effects of isolation. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have missed our community’s summer signature event for two years in a row. But this year, RibFest is back.
In the Beginning
It started in 2016 as the brainchild of then HTLC council member, Jeremy Torgerson, as a way to bring people together and show people what Holy Trinity is about. 
That first year was a huge learning curve for the organizers, who included Torgerson, Lona Rookaird, Darcey Schoenebeck, and HTLC Ministry Coordinator, Karen Taylor. The inaugural RibFest was located in the south parking lot, and included a dunk tank (where you could dunk your Pastor or favorite Council Member), a bouncy house, a variety of adult beverages, and background music from Tim Price. Change of Scenery
In a move to gain more public exposure, 2018’s RibFest was re-positioned to the north side of Holy Trinity. It had morphed into a staff-led event with volunteer support, and the move to the front yard proved to be a smart one. With more visibility to the community, there was a good mix of HTLC members and non-members enjoying great music, a variety of beverages, delicious food and fun family activities. 
Four years of RibFest experience gave the staff the confidence to dream big with their 2019 event. To capitalize on the temporary fence that surrounded the front yard, a Blessing of the Pets event was introduced the Wednesday evening before RibFest. 
Bright yellow yard signs were scattered around the community to inform people that RibFest was coming. And Holy Trinity started participating in Czech Out New Prague the night before RibFest to promote all good things that come from Holy Trinity, including RibFest. Again, it was a HUGE success with more non-HTLC members than members attending!And then the world stopped. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, community events were stalled and postponed. Summer simply didn’t feel the same.
A Fresh Start
Fresh off a year of Strategic Plan 2.0 visioning, Holy Trinity is set to have the biggest and best RibFest the community has ever seen. This year, Giesenbrau Bier Co. is providing their craft beer and root beer. It’s not only a great partnership, it also eliminates the process and cost of a temporary liquor license. Community music legend, Little Chicago, will be providing music with over fifteen musicians. Their covers of 60’s & 70’s hit music is sure to get people dancing in the grass. 
One significant change this year is the elimination of the pulled pork sandwich option. As the name of the event indicates, RibFest will only be serving ribs for the main meal ticket. One thing that hasn’t changed since 2016 is the price of the meal tickets. Rib Meal is still $15 and includes ribs, coleslaw, baked beans, mini ear of sweet corn, dinner roll, dessert and bottled water. Hot Dog Meal remains $5 and includes, hot dog with bun, chips, dessert and bottled water. HTLC Hospitality Coordinator, Donna Galvin and her team of kitchen volunteers will prepare and provide all of the food.Another thing that hasn’t changed since the beginning of RibFest is the fact that this is a FREE community event. There is no charge to attend. Some people stop by to listen to some music and have a beverage before making the choice to eat a meal. However, this year, food will only be served between 5 – 7 pm, so music lovers will have to make their decision early. Meal tickets are sold at the gated entrance of the front yard (near door 1 of the building). For volunteers, it’s the best gig all year!
There’s New Kid at the Party
Holy Trinity’s Executive Council Team was brainstorming about how to make RibFest “bigger and better”, and how to raise money for all of the new Strategic Plan 2.0 initiatives. Council President, Jackie Mackenthun, shares, “I’ve been to a lot of silent auctions and think they are a lot of fun. We have around 30 items so far and would love some more.” She says the biggest ticket item donated so far is from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Jackie hopes to see some donations for a family game night, day at the beach or a “gym rat” basket. “Holy Trinity has so many great teams and projects going on! The primary focus of the Silent Auction is to help raise money for the Strategic 2.0 initiatives, but so many other groups will indirectly benefit as a result of all of these ideas. Peace Garden, Racial Justice Team, Endowment Fund, and Youth Groups. So many great things to be excited for!”
Written by Karen A. Taylor, Web Manager
July 13, 2022
