Ribfest returning on August long weekend
Swift Current’s tastiest fundraiser is will be held on the August long weekend when the second annual Living Sky Casino Ribfest returns for three days of food and music.
The August 2 to 4 fundraiser in support of the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation has attracted a pair of championship rib companies to feed people ready to dig into some award winning southern style bbq ribs. Prairie Smoke and Spice, who won the People’s Choice Best Ribs at last year’s Ribfest, will be returning for a second consecutive year. Additionally, Gator BBQ is committed to be in attendance.
Living Sky Casino Marketing Coordinator Jacqueline Hudec explained at a recent Swift Current City Council meeting that the inaugural Ribfest in 2018 attracted over 7,500 visitors, including numerous travellers who were attracted because the event operated just off the Transcanada Highway.
“With the success of last year’s Ribfest, Living Sky Casino and Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation have teamed up once again to host this fantastic community event,” she shared.
Ribfest was originally planned to offer another outdoor, large scale event for Swift Current to entice visitors to stop in the city.
“There’s nothing like the smell of southern BBQ in the summer,” she said.
Ribfest also boasts a line-up of live entertainment on their concert stage. Friday will boast a latin flair, rock will be served up on Saturday, while a country sound will be shared on Sunday.
In addition to the food and fun, Ribfest does have an impact for healthcare in the Southwest.
“The first ever Ribfest left its mark in Swift Current, rising some vital funds for the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation. $15,000 was raised…and a large sum of that money went towards buying a mobile x-ray system for the Cypress Regional Hospital.”
The Living Sky Casino Ribfest runs on Friday, August 2 from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., while they intend to operate from noon to 1 a.m. on both Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4.
“We invite everyone to enjoy the festivities with their family and friends,” Hudec concluded.