52nd Street.

We live in one of the best places on earth. On a little street in the middle of America. It's true. Every year for the past four we have gathered with our neighbors and a few friends to hang out over the 4th of July holiday. Sometimes on the 4th, other times near it. Four years ago, we had a friendly bantering as we gathered friends and family to compete in a casual rib cook-off. And because our family tends to put a theme on everything fun, Rib Fest was born.

We take this casually serious. We have judges, there are winners. And a traveling trophy for the winning Ribs. Which this year goes out to Matthew, our neighbor who has been perfecting his recipe since he fell short of the trophy last year.

Now in its 4th year, it has grown. We went from ribs to adding on a pie contest. T-shirts are now uniquely designed each year. Then the kids pie eating contest was added and kickball. Finally, this year topped it all. Live music was added with a young up and comer, Lilly. A dunk tank, face painting and water balloon toss. With the exception of a bumped head from the dunk tank and a firework burn, smiles surrounded the night.

Last year Channel 13 visited to cover the event, this year the Police Department came to say good night to our fireworks! Oh yeah. The theme was amped up to Rockin' Rib Fest.

Memories in the making for our families and our friends. And we couldn't hand pick a better neighborhood to live in. A slice of America at home. Can't wait for next year!
Happy is.