Ribfest promises a 'lipsmackin' bill of fare

Ribfest is back for a second-helping this Labour Day weekend.

Featuring the delicious fares of five out-of-town rib specialists, the food fest takes place downtown, beginning Friday at noon until Sunday at 4 p.m., said organizer Maureen Luoma, executive director of Downtown Sudbury.

“Come try the tastiest, lipsmackin' ribs, chicken and pulled pork you've ever eaten,” said Luoma.

The festival takes place in the area bounded by Durham Street, Larch Street and Elgin Street. Admission is free and the whole community is welcome, she said. Events run Friday and Saturday from noon to well after 9 p.m. On Sunday the fun starts at noon but closes just before 6 p.m. There is free parking Friday after 6 p.m. and all weekend at all municipal lots and meters downtown.

Participating rib chefs are Jack the Ribber, familiar to Northern Lights Festival Boréal patrons in 2008, as well as Crabby's BBQ Shack, Ribs Royale, Fat Albert's BBQ Pit and new this year, Boss Hog's BBQ.

This year should be even better than last year when thousands attended, she added.
“People have not stopped talking about last year's event. There is a lot of hype about it (in the community). It's fun. It's different,” she said.

The event last year was so successful, some revenues have been carried over into this year's budget.

“That means we can do more,” said Luoma.

Some of the proceeds are designated for the local Red Cross organization.

“The Red Cross is supplying volunteers to helps us out,” she said.

There is a family area open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and a car and motorcycle show with free registration and prizes. Free wagon rides, face painting and arts and crafts are available to entertain children both days. In addition, the Sudbury Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai Academy, perform Saturday from 2:30 to 2:50 p.m.

New this year is the Zero Gravity Circus on Saturday from noon to 2:15 p.m.

“They will be in the parking lot at Cedar Street and Durham Street where the 100 Georges Club used to be. They do acrobatics that appeals to all ages,” said Luoma.

“There is even a fire act. That goes well with the Ribfest theme,” she laughed.

For more information, visit www.downtownSudbury.com or phone 674-5115.

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Ribfest musical entertainment
Friday:
Noon-Chicks With Pics
1 p.m.-Dani Star
2 p.m.-Paul Disalle
3 p.m.-Naked Soul
4 p.m.-Baz and Keith
5 p.m.-Mr. MD & the Aurel Exciters
6 p.m.-Dani Star
7 p.m.-The Terminators
8:30 p.m.-Special Guests Hells Bells-Canada's #1 tribute to AC/DC

Saturday:
Noon-Little Buddy
1 p.m.-Elvis
1:30 p.m.-Roy Orbison Tribute
2 p.m. -Elvis
3 p.m.-The Terminators
4 p.m.-Elvis
5 p.m.-Jake and the Fundamentals
6 p.m. The Isotopes
7 p.m. May Contain Nuts
8 p.m. The Groove
9 p.m.Trixx

Sunday:
Noon-Cameron's Ceilidh
1 p.m.-Canucky Bluegrass
3 p.m.-Chicks With Pics
4 p.m.-Sugar Boom
5 p.m.-Euphoria

All musical entertainment will take place on the main stage on the corner of Durham and Larch Streets.