Ribfest explodes in popularity, wait lists for vendors and ribbers grows

Ribfest explodes in popularity, wait lists for vendors and ribbers grows
Seaway News Ribfest stock photo.

CORNWALL, Ontario – Just when you thought Ribfest couldn’t get more popular, it has.

The annual celebration of all things barbecue and succulence will take place next weekend in Lamoureux Park, and organizers said they’ve expanded their list of vendors and still had to turn away a pile of people.

“I have a stack of papers like this,” Ribfest spokesperson Colleen Carter said, holding her fingers a couple of inches apart, “that I had to turn away.”

Ribfest has expanded its roster of vendors to 60 this year, nearly doubling the number from 2013.

Everything from cars and boats to ground soap and tractors will be on display.

Ribfest organizers are also bringing in different food tastes to complement the ribs, including Middle Eastern specialties like shawarma, and Caribbean food as well.

“We’re really trying to bring in something for everyone,” said Carter. “We’ve looked at the profile of people and tried to gauge their interests.”

Admission and live entertainment at Ribfest is free. There will also be a midway, with new rides, said Carter. All the information on Ribfest, including entertainment lineups and vendor information can be found here.

Oh yah…there’s also ribs. Sweet, delicious ribs.

In all, seven ribbers will bring the sights, smells and sounds of their craft to Lamoureux Park beginning July 25.

THE RIBBERS:

Chop Shop BBQ

North Carolina’s sweet BBQ taste and unique smokehouse taste is finally in the Canadian Circuit. The secret is the sauce! “Our sauce is sweeter than your mama’s lovin”.

Crabby’s BBQ Shack

After 20 years in business and a long standing track record of award winning Barbeque, Crabby’s has proven to be one the best on the grill, from the East coast to the West. We specialize in food and catering services for any occasion. We do corporate events, picnics, stag & doe’s, parties and any other outdoor events. Anywhere in Ontario we can host events from 100 – 1000 people. Big or small, we can grill for them all!!!

Fat Boy’s BBQ 

From the heart of Milwaukee, delicious, mouthwatering, tender St. Louis BBQ Pork, Ribs, Chicken and Pulled Pork. Mild & Sweet Savory Sauce! Our motto is “Low N’ Slow& . . . AWESOME!!!

Ribs Royale

Ribs Royale BBQ hails from Nevada, USA. We compete in various ribfests across Canada. We are known for our succulent, savoury, fall-off-the-bone, RIBS, CHICKEN & PULLED PORK! In 2012 alone we won over 40 first place awards, and best ribs, best sauce categories. Please visit our websitewww.ribsroyale.com.

Smokehouse Bandits

Smokehouse Bandits is the latest banner from Manos Sakellis, who previously launched such successful barbecue teams as Jack the Ribber, Fat Albert, and Outlaw Smokers. Leveraging 40 years of culinary experience, including 10 years professionally barbecuing, and a true passion for Texas-style barbecue ribs, Manos is already earning rave reviews across Canada for Smokehouse Bandits’ succulent offerings and unique flavours. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself that Smokehouse Bandits truly serves up Canada’s Most Wanted Ribs!

Texas Rangers

Originally from Motley Texas, now out of Zorra Township, Ontario. Began touring the Canadian Circuit 8 years ago winning several awards every year! The company has grown and become a large contender amongst the best in The North American Ribfest Circuit. Our sauce has a nice flavour with slight heat and our ribs are finished on an open flame. As you know Everything is bigger in Texas!!!

Pig Kahuna Island BBQ

A Catering Company based out of Richmond Hill, Ontario.  For the people that like the taste of the Hawaiian Islands, this is the BBQ Team for you.  We have combined our passion for creating impeccable Meals using only quality ingredients and the love of BBQ.  We are very excited to share our mouth watering tastes and we will not disappoint you.

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