THUNDER BAY – The meat is on the move.
Rib Fest, a popular event that annually draws tens of thousands of hungry people to the downtown north core, will have a new home in 2019.
Gladys Berringer, executive director at Our Kids Count, said a call from vendors for a more weather-friendly location and the need for additional space and parking were the main drivers behind the decision to relocate RibFest to the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Grounds.
“We were just looking for a larger space. The CLE, we’ve been tossing that around for the last couple of years,” Berringer said on Wednesday, unveiling this year’s RibFest lineup.
“This year just seemed like a great time to make the move. The CLE was open to us coming here and it’s really designed to provide a fair space. The RibFest is growing.”
The event, scheduled to run from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, will feature returning favourite Ribs Royale and two new ribbers making their first appearance in Thunder Bay.
Berringer said she’s excited to see what the newcomers have to offer attendees.
“Gus (Sakellis) is coming back and he’s bringing with him two new teams, Dinosaur Smokehouse and the Hogfather Barbecue. So we’re excited to see what these two new teams can bring to Thunder Bay,” Berringer said.
“Along with them, we’re going to encourage local element to it. One of the things the community has been asking for is why isn’t there local ribbers, so we’re going to be reaching out to a lot of the restaurants in town to see if they can jump on board.”
RibFest is the largest single fundraiser for Our Kids Count each year, last year bringing in $40,000 for the charity. Berringer said she’s hoping the new venue – and better weather – can see that total grow to at least $50,000.
Entry to RibFest will remain free of charge, with plenty of free parking on site, she added.
In addition to ribs, the event will feature plenty of local food vendors, crafters and artisans, as well as a beer garden and live entertainment.
The Intercity Rumble Car and Bike Show, presented by Halfway Motors and CarStar, is still a go, as is the 807 Cross Fit Challenge, the Strongman Challenge and the Taranis Excavator Rodeo and the Kub Kar Rally. Robbie Wolfe, from TV’s American Pickers, will also be on hand for a meet-and-greet on Aug. 25.
Originally created as a fundraiser and a way to draw people into the downtown north core, Waterfront District Business Improvement Association chair and restaurateur Jim Comuzzi wished the RibFest success in its new location, while promising a new event will be created for 2020.
“The Waterfront District BIA will continue to support other events and activities in the district throughout the summer including the Craft Revival, BrewHa, Live on the Waterfront, and so much more,” Comuzzi said in a release.
“The organization also looks forward to announcing a new signature Waterfront event for August 2020 to assist local charities and highlight local, member businesses as the places to stop, dine, play, stay, and do business.”
