THUNDER BAY -- A call and response can be heard.
The singers can't be seen, hidden behind a hickory smokescreen but the song and the smells are enough to let everyone know that Ribfest is back in Thunder Bay this weekend.
"We've got the best ribs," a grillman yells.
"We've got the best ribs," comes the reply from Ribs Royale as workers yell at the still-thin, but not for long, crowd Friday morning.
"We've got the best chicken."
"We've got the best chicken.
The chant can still be heard as grillman Anthony Digiuseppe, wearing a heavyweight title belt from an Ottawa fest, said last year in Thunder Bay was the biggest event he's seen
"Last year was an amazing experience. It felt like everyone in town came out," he said.
Organizers are hoping 30,000 people will head to the downtown North side this weekend to sample from four ribbers, including new addition Sweet Smoked BBQ, listen to music or stroll down Park Avenue and Red River Road to take in the sights.
"There's going to be a lot of things for people to do," co-chair Mark Gleeson said.
Ribfest Schedule
| Date | Opens | Closes |
| Friday | 11 a.m. | 11 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m. | 11 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 a.m. | 8 p.m. |
More local vendors this year will offer people their own take own ribfest or alternatives. There will also be a classic car show Sunday with special guest Horny Mike from the History Channel's Counting Cars.
Proceeds from ribfest, which wraps up Sunday will go to Our Kids Count.
"A fantastic local organization that supports the community and families in need. It's one of those institutional organizations in Thunder Bay that really does need our local support," Gleeson said.
