Vernon RibFest cancelled again this year - due to lack of meat

Photo: File photo

Matthew Smith, of Gator BBQ, said ribbers are having a hard time finding meat.

The popular and tasty Vernon RibFest has been cancelled again this year – but not by COVID.

The reason is a meat shortage.

The event is put on by the Vernon Elks Lodge, and in a press release, the lodge says it's been told by participants they are having a hard time sourcing top quality product.

Matthew Smith of Gator BBQ shared they have been trying to source products from meat producers, but have been told there is not much available.

Producers have committed their products to the U.S. and China, as there weren’t plans to restart Canada's western provinces at that time.

Vernon RibFest organizers considered a scaled-down version of the festival as a drive-thru event, possibly in September, however that plan is no longer an option.

While the sweet smell of ribs won't be wafting over the city this year, officials are planning to cook up the event July 8-10 2022.

RibFest was cancelled last year due to COVID restrictions.