Rib Off called off due to COVID concerns
The Rib Off is off. The Hartford Rib Off, the 11th annual barbecued spare rib-eating extravaganza that benefits nonprofit organizations, has been canceled. It had been scheduled for Oct. 15-16.
Rib Off founder Guy Neumann cited the rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the delta variant as the reasons for the cancellation.
“Due to the commonly accepted COVID protocols necessary at this time, and the uncertainty of future guidelines, we find that we are unable to manage the 2021 event from both logistical and financial standpoints,” Neumann said.
Neumann added that the safety of children was an important consideration.
“One of our main beneficiaries this year, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, supports children with significant underlying health issues. This, coupled with the fact that children under the age of 12 aren’t eligible for vaccination, makes maintaining the family friendly atmosphere of the Hartford Rib Off untenable. The risks are just too high,” he said.
Rib Off spokeswoman Kristen Fritz added that the lack of staffing at the event’s restaurant partners made it difficult for those restaurants to give their all to the event.
Neumann said he hoped the Rib Off would return in 2022. Ticket holders to the 2020 or 2021 events who want a refund can email hartfordriboff@gmail.com.
The cost of tickets to the Hartford Rib Off can be donated (the donation is tax deductible). The Hartford Rib Off ’s EIN is 82-157-1658.