Annual event returns to riverfront this weekend
Barbecue, huh? How do you like your ribs? It’s the return of Windsor Ribfest to the riverfront this weekend.
Now presented by the Northern Heat Rib Series, the meaty celebration takes place at the Riverfront Festival Plaza (370 Riverside Dr. E.) on Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Me, I like to get messy. I like my ribs saucy,” said Justin Brown, cofounder and owner of the Northern Heat Rib Series.
“I like the meat to fall off the bone. That’s something we’re really good at providing. That’s how I like to eat my ribs.”
It’s the first year that Northern Heat Rib Series is running the event. Windsor Ribfest has had five previous editions — although the party typically happens later in the season.
“It’s the Ribfest everybody has come to know, only on a new date,” Brown said.
“The beginning of the summer is, honestly, a really good time to have an event like this.”
There’s no admission fee and all ages are welcome to the fully licensed event.
Seven rib teams will be preparing and selling ribs, each with their own special recipe: Boss Hog’s, Brickyard BBQ, Kentucky Smokehouse, Louisiana BBQ, Ribs Royale, Route 55, and Smokehouse Bandits.
There’ll also be seven craft beer vendors with suds for sale, including Barnstormer Brewing, Flying Monkeys, Highlander Brewing, Iconic Brewing, and Naughty Otter.
Need some variety? Try out the many other food items on the menu, including burgers, barbecue chicken, poutine, roasted corn, blooming onions, funnel cake, slushies, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
And there will be plenty to entertain you while you chow down: live bands, line dancing, barbecue lessons, bubble soccer, kids’ activities, and more.
But we all know what are the real attractions — perfect beef and pork ribs.
“Smoked, dry-rubbed, grilled and glazed. The food is prepared to the highest quality,” Brown assured.
For more information, visit www.northernheatribseries.ca/ windsor/.