Port Moody’s most popular — and delicious — event is set to make its triumphant return this summer.
After cooling its briquettes for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ribfest is scheduled to reclaim its place on the calendar from July 15 to 17.
And the event’s co-chair said it won’t be just be mainly about the meat.
Frank Marchand said Port Moody Rotary, which has been putting on the event since 2015, is actively soliciting suggestions to add a vegetarian or vegan component to the seven grillers already signed to serve their meaty, mouth-watering fare.
“We’re just trying to make it as inclusive as possible,” he said of the event that attracts about 50,000 visitors to Rocky Point Park. “Not everybody eats pork and beef.”
Marchand said posts on Rotary’s social media channels asking people to submit their ideas for vegetarian options have already drawn suggestions like The Very Good Butchers from Victoria.
He added several local food trucks that specialize in vegetarian dishes have also enquired about participating.
Marchand said with indications pandemic public health restrictions will continue to ease through the spring, Ribfest’s organizing committee has stepped up its efforts, like signing 15 musical acts covering jazz, rock, country and R&B to provide entertainment and securing infrastructure such as fencing.
This year’s event will be fully licensed, Marchand explained, meaning visitors will be able to enjoy a beer anywhere on the grounds.
But that requires the portion of the park where Ribfest takes place — between the boat launch parking lot and the water park — to be fenced off so access can be controlled.
Marchand said the liquor branch requirement means organizers will also be in a good position to check vaccine passports should that public health requirement still be in place come the summer.
As well, they’ve acquired thousands of masks that will be handed out should those still be needed at events.
“Right now we’re operating on the hope that things will continue to improve and we’ll be wide open, but things could change,” Marchand said.
In the spirit of that optimism, Port Moody Rotary opened its Ribfest 50/50 draw on March 4, with the goal of selling $240,000 worth of tickets to benefit programs it puts on or sponsors in the community.
Marchand said some of Rotary’s initiatives have had to operate much leaner over the past couple of years without the injection of money that comes from Ribfest.
He added it’s the organization’s largest fundraiser that helps support things like student scholarships, the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, Camp Jubilee, the Amanda Todd Legacy Society and the Summer Sundays concert series at Rocky Point Park, which is also set to return this year.
Marchand said he’s confident Ribfest will bounce back in a big way.
“The pent-up demand in absolutely huge.”
• For more information, including volunteer opportunities, go to portmoodyribfest.ca.
