Ribfest looking to be bigger and better in 2019

'A lot of people see this as a grassroots, accessible fun community festival that people have gotten used to'

File photo

It’s only a few days away as organizers are working hard in preparation for the 7th annual Voyageur Ribfest which will take place at the Voyageur Inn in North Bay starting on Friday afternoon.

Last year the event drew about 10,000 fans, now they are hoping with more vendors and quality entertainment that they can his the 20,000 attendance mark this weekend.

“A lot of people see this as a grassroots, accessible fun community festival that people have gotten used to and inviting friends from out of town to come join them, we hear that all the time,” said Geoff Richardson, event organizer.

The three main rib companies will be there including Jack the Ribber, Fat Albert’s and Route 55.

Richardson says they will also have dessert vendors scooping up ice cream and serving up mini doughnuts.

Chris Marceau’s Martial Arts Academy doing a demonstration starting at noon on Sunday,

There will also be a rock climbing wall and bumper boats in a pool which will be available for the young Ribfest fans to enjoy.

On top of that, a handful of local vendors will be selling their products.

“They will be selling everything from jewellery to shirts to handmade soaps and stuff like that, so we have got a really good contingent of local people just to make this a really fun community-based event,” said Richardson.

Of course, the Ribfest would not be Ribfest without the music which includes numerous regional and local bands.

The fun is expected to begin on Friday at 4 p.m.

See the full event schedule below:

Friday, July 12

5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Lovin Country

6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Blue Screw

7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Angry Pants

8 p.m. to 9 p.m. JW FT The Rivers

9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Roadhouse

Saturday, July 13

12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Toros/Sam Sloat - Anthem

1:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. Greetings/Judging