Sydney’s RibFest back for a third year
The island’s ‘stickiest social event’ in support of local hospice palliative care services
One of the summer’s most popular local events is set for July 14-16 at Open Hearth Park.
It’ll be the third consecutive year RibFest has been held in Sydney and according to organizers it’ll be bigger and better than ever with the return of five world-class master ribbers, excellent entertainment and an enhanced layout on site.
The Rotary clubs of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality are once again sponsoring RibFest and for the third time have chosen Hospice Palliative Care as their charity of choice.
“We want to make this year’s event even more incredible,” said RibFest co-chair Kevin Armstrong.
“The changes you’ll see come directly from the feedback we received last year, so the ribbers will be moved to keep lines lean, especially during peak times, and the beverage tent will be closer to the entertainment stage.”
The Rotary Vendor Village is returning with a range of local businesses offering food alternatives to barbecue, as well as local crafts and other products for sale.
Returning award-winning rib teams include Silver Bullet, Camp 31, Billy Bones BBQ, Crabby’s BBQ and Texas Rangers. All are returning to defend their titles — providing the kind of sticky situation everyone will want to vote for.
Bands will hit the stage throughout the weekend including the Privateers, who are slated to perform on the Saturday night.
As part of Canada 150 celebrations, the Rotary clubs will launch fireworks into the night sky on the first night of the event. There will also be a fivekilometre road race on Saturday morning.
People looking to volunteer or wishing to be part of the Rotary Vendor Village should visit the festival’s websiteat www.sydneyribfest.com for more information.
For the latest details on RibFest, organizers will be maintaining a robust social media presence on the Sydney RibFest Facebook page and on Twitter @SydneyRibFest.
Last year an estimated 35,000 people attended the weekend event.
To date more than $125,000 has been given to Hospice Palliative Care because of RibFest.
Organizers are hoping festivalgoers take the opportunity to “give a little at the gate” for this worthwhile cause, Armstrong said.
Proceeds from RibFest will go toward the goal of establishing a 10-bed hospice residence near the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.