THUNDER BAY - One of Thunder Bay’s most popular events has changed venues for 2019.
Citing reasons that included a more central location, more space for the venue, greater access to parking, and more accessibility for people with physical disabilities, RibFest will be held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds this year.
The food and entertainment event which usually draws upwards of 50,000 people had been held in the downtown north core for the last seven years.
“The main reason is to have an expanded venue,” said John Trevisanutto, one of the main organizers of RibFest. “It was getting kind of tight at (the Waterfront). We just thought this would work really well for parking and the whole venue.”
Trevisanutto said businesses around the Waterfront District, and the Waterfront BIA did not object to the change.
“I think they understood the purpose of the move,” he said.
“I think being located in the middle of the city is going to be an advantage as well,” said Gladys Beringer, executive director of Our Kids Count executive director. “I’ve heard in the past from Westfort… say ‘that’s too far to go.’”
Trevisanutto said, without question, the new venue will make for the most jam-packed RibFest yet.
This year will feature the Riverfront Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, celebrity appearances from Rick Dale from American Restoration and Robbie Wolfe from American Pickers, a CrossFit and strongman competition, an excavator challenge, a barbecue building challenge, a Kub Kar rally, live entertainment, local food vendors, beer gardens, and a children’s area, among others.
And of course, there are ribs. This year’s event features two new ribbers from Southern Ontario: Hogfather BBQ, and Dinosaur Smokehouse. The Silver Birch will be situated in ribbers row for the first time this year.
RibFest organizers are also encouraging the public to vote in the Local Ribbers contest which features 14 local restaurants battling it out for best ribs in town.
“To have the 14 restaurants come on board this year is awesome. I think the excitement about the move has spurred on a lot of people,” said Beringer.
Proceeds from the event will go towards Our Kids Count, a community development program that helps foster the development of children aged six and under.
The charity typically collects $40,000 each year from the festival and relies on RibFest funding to help keep the organization running.
“This year alone, we’re looking at $20,000 shortfall, so we’re looking to gain the extra funds. This is really going to determine where we’re situated at the end of September,” said Beringer.
Our Kids Count is encouraging the public to bring non-perishable food items to donate to their food drive, which will be set up at the CLE.
The festival will take place at the CLE grounds Aug. 23 to 25 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
