Big showing for Ribfest

Kelowna’s second annual Rotary Ribfest heated up this year with more people waiting to sink their teeth into some BBQ cooking.

Workers estimated upwards of 28,000 people in attendance for the weekend BBQ being held at City Park from Sept. 15 to 17.

“I am guessing we are somewhere between 25 to 28,000 people this year, it is far beyond expectations,” said Chair of Interior Savings Sunrise Rotary Ribfest Brian Wrightson.

“Some of the numbers we have been doing seem to be towards some (Calgary) Stampede days here,” said Matt Jenkins, Blazin BBQ Ribhouse.

Grill masters from across the country served up their best meat and local food trucks were also in attendance.

“The weekend in Kelowna has been crazy, not sure that we were ready for the second year, it has grown exponentially,” said Jenkins.

Live music played throughout the weekend and there was also a kid zone making for a family event.

Protestors made an appearance outside of the event with signs and an eight-month-old pig asking people to consider going meat-free.
 
This year’s event hopes to raise $35,000 to support Rotary’s work and their focus of this year.

“We are trying to raise money to put back in the community,” said Wrightson. “Our two major focuses this year is youth and the less privileged.”

Organizers fought to make this year free so that everyone can attend and enjoy the event.

“Even if they haven’t got the money to spend on food, they can sit in front of the main stage, hear the music, talk to their friends, that is what we are trying to create. An atmosphere where everyone is welcomed,” he said.