Ribfest packed them in for another year

No doubt about it, people love their ribs.

One just had to look at the long line-ups at the annual Voyageur Ribfest in North Bay as proof.   

Tammy Pozzo drove from Corbeil to pick up supper for eight people.  

“We bought from each rib truck. We’ve got ribs, chicken, beans, coleslaw, everything. I just love the food and the entertainment,” laughed Pozzo.

Melissa Pozzo-Brown always looks forward to the return of Ribfest.

“I love everything about it. The food is fantastic, but the whole atmosphere is just amazing. There are lots of things to buy. The entertainment is awesome, and there is lots for the kids to do. Kids are so much fun to watch at these things. It is all just great.”

Ribfest is North Bay’s largest food and music festival.

Geoff Richardson one of the event organizers and owner/operator of the Voyageur Inn said Friday night set the tone for a great weekend of free live entertainment which included bands from out of town.

“Friday was an amazing night. It seemed like we had almost all of North Bay out here and it has just gotten busier. This is a great community event that North Bay really shows its support for, by coming out.”

The line-ups were long at all three rib trucks.

“We’ve got Jack the Ribber, Route 55 and Sweet Smoke BBQ. They’re a newcomer to Ribfest actually. It was a last-minute addition so I can’t wait to hear what North Bay thinks of their taste.”  

A panel of all-female judges sampled ribs from all three trucks, voting on the taste.

“Every year we like to pick some people from the community to help choose the overall winner. The results are going to be on Sunday.”

In the Kidzone youngsters climbed a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, rode paddle boats in an enclosed pool, make their way through a 50-foot soft obstacle course, and enjoyed face painting, and balloons.  

While there was no admission fee, people were encouraged to support North Bay Community Living with a donation at the gate.

“Community Living is our benefactor this year, they have been for the past five years. They’re collecting donations at the door. They do so many great things for our community.”

Over the years people have donated in excess of $30,000 to the organization through Ribfest.