■ Ravenous ribs
Friday evening rained out but attendance promising other days
Camp 31 BBQ ribbers served up saucy fare on the weekend at the Yarmouth Mariners Ribfest.
Torrential rains on Friday squelched attendance at the Yarmouth Mariners Ribfest, but Saturday and Sunday saw plenty of people filling up on sauce-slathered ribs and chicken.
This year, the organizers sought to create a more carnival-like atmosphere. Judging by the children’s excitement when they saw a street full of giant inflatables to explore, they succeeded.
There were also tents set up in the Ribfest area, including a casino tent with games of chance, as well as outdoor pool and ping-pong tables, more seating areas and vendors.
Having Tusket Falls Brewery added to the event was popular with attendees.
Keith Condon, an organizer of the event, was reached early Monday morning, while on the wharf helping clean up.
“We wanted something to liven things up and give people a reason to hang around for the day,” he said about the new additions.
It was too early to provide numbers, but he said participants were pleased with crowds on Saturday and Sunday.
“The jury’s out on the final tally but I think everybody was happy,” he said.
This year organizers charged a $5 admission fee to help cover expenses and to help with the fundraising aspect of the event, which is hosted and run by the Yarmouth Mariners Jr. A hockey club. The event is not aimed to turn a profit but to help provide funds for expenses to the hockey team and other groups or charities that help during Ribfest by providing volunteer manpower.
In 2016, an estimated 20,000 people attended Ribfest. Last year about 24,000 went.