Bring on the ribs!.
First annual Parry Sound Ribfest starts Friday July 13.
Submitted photo
PARRY SOUND – The ribs are on the barbecues.
Yesterday the ribbers were outside the Bobby Orr Community Centre busy prepping and the midway was going up in preparation for the first annual Parry Sound Ribfest that starts this morning at 11 a.m.
The event is a Habitat for Humanity Parry Sound Adopt-A-Home fundraiser.
The ribbers who’ve made their way north - Texas Rangers, Crabby’s BBQ Shack, The Chop Shop and Fatboy’s BBQ - herald from across the United States and Ontario.
“These guys are all award-winning ribbers,” said event organizer Glen Moffatt, of The Event Guys.
Along with barbecued deliciousness, there’s a beer tent and live entertainment, including Sherrie Gold with Overdrive Friday night and Marshall Dane Saturday night. Other performers include Rob Kirkham and Neon Rain, Kerosene Creek, The Phil and John Show, The Speck Brothers, A Downstairs Band, Gabe Salem and Parry Sound Idol winner Celine Cascanette.
There’s also a midway with rides, games and a rock-climbing wall for the kids, and vendors selling custom jewelry and wooden crafts, along with a body painter.
Moffatt expects between 10,000 and 15,000 people will take in the event over the three days.
Ribfest comes from Moffatt’s desire to give back to his adopted community, something he’s been doing with the help of girlfriend Saara Salinen.
“Parry Sound’s never had one before,” said Moffatt. “And some of the people here have never been to a ribfest, so I figured – why not? It’s a big event and the ribbers have signed on with me for a three-year contract.”
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is no admission fee and 25 per cent of the proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity Parry Sound Adopt-A-Home.