The 11th Annual Downtown Sudbury Ribfest is now just a memory.
This event, held over Labour Day Weekend, once again attracted close to 50,000 to take part in the three days of activities — including 26 local bands, festival foods, children’s activities and of course the ribs.
There were some new things this year, including the location. Due to the anticipated construction start-up of Place des Arts, the event (normally held at the corner of Elgin/Larch Streets) was relocated to the Sudbury Arena parking lot and Minto Street. As a result, this provided the opportunity to tie in with the Sudbury Wolves, who had an exhibition game on the Friday evening. In addition, the Farmers’ Market, normally open only on Saturday, was also open on the Sunday of the event.
While the car and motorcycle show, an integral component of this event, was cancelled this year for a variety or reasons, it is expected to return in full for 2019.
Also new this year was the Charity of Choice. We were very pleased and proud to welcome the YMCA as a partner. Not only will proceeds from this event go to the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign, but the Y also took the lead in volunteer recruitment and organization.
As hosts of this event, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our community sponsors and partners who continue to support us and help us make this event happen – it would not be possible without them.
A huge thank you also goes out to everyone that joined us over the three days, including all our out-of-town visitors (and there were many). The rain didn’t hold you back and your support is what makes this event the success that it is. Your patience was also greatly appreciated.
There is a great deal that goes into hosting an event this size, and the relocation this year brought with it new challenges, but your feedback to the new home of Ribfest has been very positive. Thank you.
We are already looking forward to the 2019 edition of our Downtown Sudbury Ribfest.
Maureen Luoma
Executive director
Downtown Sudbury BIA