Thousands flock to drive-through Ribfest

THUNDER BAY – It may not have offered quite the festive atmosphere attendees are accustomed to, but that didn’t stop thousands from descending on the CLE grounds for Ribfest this year.

Organizers estimated at least 3,000 vehicles rolled through the drive-through event since it began Thursday, looking for freshly barbequed ribs and the chance to support a good cause.

Proceeds from the event – estimated at $65,000 in 2019 – go to Our Kids Count, a not-for-profit offering participant-led programming and supports to local families.

Executive Director Kathryn Hughes was optimistic the event would surpass this year’s more modest goal of $40,000 shortly before it concluded Sunday evening. The support was a relief for an organization that relies on fundraising for around three quarters of its budget.

“Our Kids Count is a small not-for-profit, so we count on this money to run our programs every year,” she said. “We were worried without the regular version running – it’s so unexpected that the drive-up model would have been so popular.”

While some waited over 40 minutes as lines of vehicles wound their way through lines at the CLE – and sometimes stretching to the Intercity Shopping Centre – Hughes and other organizers said spirits had remained high, thanking attendees for their patience.

Demand had been high enough that this year’s sole local ribber, Silver Birch, eventually ran out of ribs, leaving Dinosaur Ribs and Ribs Royale to fill the gap.

Gus Sakellis of Ribs Royale, president of operations for the fest, said turnout in the city had exceeded all expectations.

He called it a promising sign, with mass gatherings like this one facing an uncertain future.

“Until the government gives us the okay, which we don’t see coming anytime soon, we’re going to have to adjust to the new norm,” he related. “If this is the new norm, we’ll be okay with it for the short term – as long as the crowds keep coming out like Thunder Bay.”