It was a sticky choice for hundreds Friday as Ribfest opened. Photo by Dennis Chippa.
The lineups were steady and long at all the venues as the third annual Ribfest opened at the Voyageur Hotel’s parking lot Friday.
Hundreds stopped by for a beverage, a rib or chicken and a chance to listen to live music.
Voyageur co-owner Tom Richardson was understandably pleased with the way the event has grown.
“Probably our busiest Friday that we’ve had. This is our third season and the amount of familiar faces coming around with big smiles on their faces. You can tell the community is excited.”
‘When we first saw this parking lot we knew we had to have a community party. This is what we did. Ten months after we bought the Voyageur we had our first year. It’s our third year and we learn and improve every single year.”
While ribs are in the forefront, and this year features three championship rib joints, the event also features a number of other vendors, with everything from a chip truck to lemonade to baking.
Other businesses are also on hand to promote themselves, or raise money for charity.
Again, Richardson says that was always part of the plan.
“Food is great, and the ribs are amazing. But it’s also a lot of the accents. Our community has such great local talent in the retail sector, it’s good to get them up and show our community what they’re about. The bands are also great and they get everyone up and dancing.”
At the same time, Richardson points out it’s a fundraiser, as proceeds from donations at the door and through draws benefits Community Living North Bay.
“Big time, that’s’ true. We always choose a fundraiser and this is our second year with Community Living because it was so amazing last year. What a great organization. We just felt we had to do it with them again.”
Ribfest gets bigger Saturday as the family playland and inflatables will be set up for the little ones, then more events planned for Sunday including a charity dunk tank, before the Ribfest champion is officially crowned.
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