Rad to the bone
Saskatoon’s Ribfest set to run all weekend at Diefenbaker Park
It’s shaping up to be a saucy long weekend in Diefenbaker Park.
The fourth annual Saskatoon Ribfest gets underway Friday. Five different barbecue teams will court carnivorous festivalgoers, serving up meaty treats slathered in sauce and hoping to win the people’s choice award.
For the first time, rib aficionados and amateurs alike will get to cast their votes for the best ribs directly from their mobile devices, festival chair Boris Kishchuk said.
Pitmaster Rob Reinhardt and his crew from Prairie Smoke and Spice in Pilot Butte are expected to be the only team from Saskatchewan at the festival. The team’s secret weapon — Rob’s own “Blue Ribbin” barbecue sauce — will give them an edge, he said.
“Our ribs are consistent winners. They’re sweet, with a little heat and a well-balanced flavour.”
The team’s menu also boasts beef brisket and pulled pork, he said.
“Both of those are the same championship recipes we win awards with all over North America.”
Rob and his crew will face some steep competition. London, Ont. heavyweight team Boss Hog’s will return this year to defend its title as the people’s champion.
President Tom Diavolitsis said his crew’s ribs are tender with a balanced taste, which gives them a wide appeal, but the Boss Hog’s experience goes beyond the meat.
“By the time you’ve gotten your product, a smile and the odd joke while you’re waiting, the whole experience has been amazing.”
In addition to the meat, 23 different musical acts will entertain the crowd throughout the festival’s four-day run. All are local and family-friendly; there will be something to suit everyone, as music styles “run the gamut,” Kishchuk said.
Other attractions include a beer garden and a children’s play area.
The idea for the festival started when members of the Rotary Club noticed a rib vendor at the Saskatoon Exhibition. After doing some research and realizing how popular rib festivals are in Ontario, Kishchuk said the Rotary Club decided to organize one in Saskatoon.
The event has grown in popularity each year, with attendance numbers jumping to 21,000 last year from 12,000 in the year of its inception, Kishchuk said.
Earnings from the festival, which Kischuk said have been around $40,000 in years past, will be put toward local and international projects and charities.
Admission and music are free. RibFest runs Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.