Barbecue, live music and fun: Ribfest returns to Fort St. John for fifth annual celebration

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A meat-lovers’ extravaganza returned to Fort St. John with the fifth annual three-day Ribfest this weekend. 

The free event, which started in 2021 and is organized by the Fort St John Rotary Club, took place this year from July 11th to July 13th. 

Although the weather seemed to threaten the weekend, it didn’t stop crowds descending on Centennial Park on Friday for barbecue, live music and activities such as a 50/50 draw.  

However, the weather on Saturday and Sunday was better for everyone to come and have fun. 

“We’ve gotten more bands every year, our stage has become much fuller over the last three years,” Carina Wallis, chair of the Ribfest committee, said.

“Every year gets a little bit better.” 

Kris Olsen, Fort St John Rotary Club member, thanked the sponsors for “allow[ing] us to have a free event.”

The ribs were provided by: Billy Bones BBQ, Blazin BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ and Buckeye BBQ.

They are part of the Western Canada Rib Fest Tour, which travels around the country during the summer to attend different rib festivals.  

“When people come and say that it’s the best BBQ they’ve ever had, it makes the long hours [of work] worth it,” said Terry Gaebel, owner of the Buckeye BBQ. 

While Ricky Lam, griller for Billy Bones, said: “I get to go to different places, [see] different views, and I get to eat the best food. 

“We travel together and we become like family.” 

Lam’s assistant manager, Sophie Williams, added: “All four trucks travel together so we are pretty close.”

Nevaeh Mekish Kennedy, part of Blazin BBQ, said: “New city every week – it is everything you could ever ask for.” 

There were also several bands performing, including Rocky Mountain Overdrive, Locust and Honey, Blackbird, Mechanical Botanicals, Mississippi Bends and more. 

On Sunday, a rib competition took place with seven judges. This year, Blazin BBQ won best sauce and Silver Bullet won best ribs. 

Surerus Pipeline was the main sponsor for this event.

To find out more about the Fort St John Rotary Club and its events, visit its website.