The smell of freshly barbecued ribs will return to Saint John next month as the Loyalist City RibFest gears up for its eighth annual festival.
After two years of limited drive-thru celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will return to a full-scale event at the Lord Beaverbrook Rink, complete with a full bar and live entertainment, from June 17 to 19.
Peter Wilkins, chair of the Loyalist City RibFest committee, said in an interview Wednesday that organizers are excited to bring the annual tradition back to the port city.
“A lot of people don’t realize that this is a fundraising event for the Saint John Y Service Club,” said Wilkins in a phone interview. The more people come and donate, the more money is made for the club to distribute locally with our community.”
Due to its smaller festivities over the last two years, Wilkins said the RibFest’s fundraising revenue sources were down. He said it’s terrific to see the COVID restrictions lifted, so organizers have more opportunities to raise more money to go back into the city.
After the festival rotated through several locations over the years, including the Exhibition Park Raceway and the city’s cruise ship terminals, Wilkins is excited to see the event take centre ice at the Beaverbrook Rink.
He said with other events taking place this summer, such as the 2022 Memorial Cup and Area 506, the RibFest committee wanted to look for a location that could lead to a more long-term partnership.
“The Beaverbrook looks like it might be that place,” said Wilkins.
On top of the festival’s four “ribbers,” Wilkins said Saint Johners can also expect favourites like Tater King and other vendors selling slushies and popcorn and flavoured butter.
He said there’s still time to register as a festival volunteer or if any more vendors wish to join the fun. Those interested are asked to visit the RibFest Facebook page or its website to sign up.
“With the location being at the Beaverbrook, the bar, most of the seating and the stage will be indoors,” said Wilkins.
“So weather should not be an issue this year as far as coming out, getting some great ribs or other foods and listening to some good music.”
