Ready to pig out? Rotary Ribfest begins Friday
There’s no shame in pigging out this weekend as the Rotary Ribfest fills Okanagan Lake Park with food and fun from Friday to Sunday.
Aside from the rib cook-off, there will be live music, a kids’ zone with a petting zoo and activities for children, a beverage garden and vendors.
Entry to the park starts at 11 a.m. and the event ends at 9 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and 11 p.m. Saturday.
Boss Hogs, from London, Ont.; Gator BBQ, originally from Florida but now in Ontario; Misty Mountain, from Hinton, Alta., and Vancouver’s Smoke and Bones will battle for smoky, sweet and spicy supremacy.
“It’s a family fun-filled weekend, and it’s all free,” said Rotarian and Ribfest committee chair Barb Hoolaeff.
“There’s something for everyone, a large kids’ zone, lots of frosty cold ones at the beer garden on the beach, and of course, the ribs.”
A panel of local celebrity judges, which includes Herald editor James Miller, will determine which team will go home with the honours of first place and best sauce. Attendees will be able to vote via text message for their favourite team to win the People’s Choice Award.
There will be live entertainment at the Windward Software Stage throughout the weekend. Acts include local musicians across all genres and a family-friendly circus sideshow troupe. Acclaimed country artist Jaydee Bixby, runner-up in the fifth season of Canadian Idol wraps up Ribfest with a performance Sunday night.
A $3 shuttle will be available after 7 p.m. every night to drive attendees to hotels across the city.
Funds raised at the event will go to Rotary projects for the city of Penticton. For a full schedule of performances and more information visit: www.pentictonribfest.com.