Rotary Ribfest returning to Centennial Park for messy fun

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Prepare to get messy because the Rotary Ribfest is returning to Fort St. John for its second year from July 13th to 16th in Centennial Park.

The first year Ribfest was in the Energetic City was a drive-thru event not hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Fort St. John.

Both Rotary Clubs in Fort St. John are hosting the event with a committee of six, three from each club, including Cameron Eggie.

Eggie says once the tour enters Alberta, they can finalize and share the menu with the public.

Ribfest is only making two stops in B.C., Fort St. John and Dawson Creek the following weekend.

Surerus Pipeline is presenting Ribfest 2023 in Fort St. John, according to Eggie.

On July 13th, food will be served from approximately 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; on July 14th and 15th, food service will be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; on July 16th, the trucks will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

New this year is a truck called Bone Daddy BBQ, replacing a vendor from last year. Returning vendors are Blazin BBQ, Buckeye BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ and Papa Jacks for blooming onions and fries.

Also new in 2023 will be Luke’s Southern Corn Shack, Cody’s Concessions for mini donuts and lemonade, the North Peace Museum is holding a pie sale, and the Rotary Early Act Club will sell popsicles.

On July 14th, Ben Matchett and the Montney Coulees will be playing at the event, and on July 15th, on the Canadian Tire Stage, Cloak & Dagger, Mechanical Botanicals, and The Sweetwater Band will be playing.

The rib competition will be on July 16th, followed by a 50/50 draw.

Eggie says events like Ribfest allow both Rotary clubs to return money to Fort St. John.

“This type of event allows our programs to continue to build playgrounds, a splash park and the skatepark,” Eggie said.

 “All these things around Fort St. John have been raised by funds created through Rotary projects. That is what we’re excited about. Ribfest just allows us to keep local funds at home and do more good work on behalf of Rotary.”

For more information on Ribfest in Fort St. John or to volunteer or sponsor the event, visit the Fort St. John Rotary Ribfest Facebook page or email fsjrotaryribfest@gmail.com.