Year 5 of Ribfest is in the books with promises to return next year

Like every other outdoor event held over the Canada Day weekend, this years Voyageur Inn Ribfest had its challenges due to poor weather conditions.   

"It was great Friday, the rain held out for us, we had a fantastic time. On Saturday of course it down poured absolutely everywhere, but by 5:00 it was just spitting rain. It was wonderful, everybody came out and we were at capacity inside at the after party, so we were really happy it kind of made up for Saturday during the day," said Tracy Sloan, co-owner of the Voyageur Inn.

Ribfest began five years ago when Sloan and her partners purchased the Voyageur. 

"We wanted to make sure that people knew that we were serious and we were putting our heart into it. We wanted it to be family friendly and we wanted people to come to the businesses within the Voyageur. So to do that we thought 'let's hold our first fundraiser', so we did and it has just been building and building from there," said Sloan.

For the fourth straight year, Community Living North Bay is benefiting from funds raised during Ribfest. The money will help fund some of the programs and services offered by the organization for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.   

"They supply so many volunteers for us and they're always so grateful. And of course they show us what happens with the money in the community. It makes us feel really good," Sloan said.

Twenty bands from across the area as well as Sudbury and southern Ontario provided live music from opening night Friday to closing night Sunday. 

Three award winning rib teams spent the weekend barbecuing countless racks of ribs, enticing people with their signature sauces. On Saturday they competed in a rib judging contest, with Jack the Ribber emerging as the big winner.  

Jodi McPhee and her family settled in for a day of fun Sunday, for a second year. 

"We're having a great time down here. The ribs are fantastic and the entertainment is even better," said McPhee.

Richard Beauchamp makes Ribfest a regular part of his summer schedule.

"We come here every year for at least one meal of ribs and unfortunately all the rain this weekend, we came on Sunday this year, but we really had a great time," said Beauchamp. "We'll be back again next year." 

Vendors and a kids play zone rounded out the weekend experience. 

Voyageur co-owner Sloan estimates the event attracted a crowd of 17,000 over the course of three days, with promises to be back even bigger and better next year.