Fort St. John Rotary Ribfest now open for the weekend

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The 2025 Fort St. John Rotary Ribfest has officially kicked off in the city with various musical performances, a 50/50 draw and more activities for attendees. 

Ribfest has been an annual event in Fort St. John since 2021. It is organized by the Rotary Club of Fort St. John and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Fort St. John and is sponsored by Surerus Pipelines.

“We bring a great weekend to everybody in Fort St. John,” said Nelson Stowe, president of the Sunrise club. 

“We have a committee of six people that work from October right through until now to get the [event] off the ground.”

Ribfest kicked off on July 11th, starting at 11 a.m., and is set to run until 10 p.m. 

Activities are also scheduled for Saturday, July 12th from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Ribfest will conclude on Sunday, July 13th, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Stowe said although weather conditions were difficult at the festival’s opening on July 11th, he expects good weather through the weekend. 

“The first hour was a little crazy with the winds [meaning we had to] make sure everything is staked down [but the winds are] hopefully supposed to calm down around 4 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. so let’s hope that happens,” said Stowe. 

The event will feature live musical performances from several local artists, a rib contest and a 50/50 draw.

Silver Bullet BBQ, Blazin BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ and food trucks serving fries, blooming onions and mini doughnuts will be on the site.

All proceeds raised will support the rotary clubs’ efforts to improve the lives of Fort St. John and North Peace residents.

In March, organizers looked to change alcohol licence restrictions for this year’s event.

Ribfest is held in Centennial Park at 95th Avenue and 100th Street. 

More information on Fort St. John Rotary Ribfest can be found on its Facebook page.