Ribfest returns

“Live music, meat on a barbecue, children's activities, cars and refreshments — you've got a pretty good package.”

These words were spoken to Maureen Luoma after the debut Ribfest five years, when an overwhelming number of people flocked to Elgin Street to take part in downtown's premiere food festival.

Some thought it was absurd to host a festival over the span of three days on Labour Day weekend; But those naysayers were quickly proved wrong. The first year, some 15,000 people sampled ribs, chicken, pulled pork and beans from four professional rib teams, the executive director of Downtown Sudbury said. Last year, nearly 40,000 people came out to enjoy the flavours.

This year, it's only getting bigger and better.

Six pro ribbers will line the Elgin strip with their barbecues ablaze, while a lineup of local musicians will be constantly filling the air with sweet sounds.

An extensive section filled with many free activities will be set up in the parking lot behind SRO for kids, complete with face painting, Ribfest tattoos, crafts and more. Grownups will also appreciate the car and motorcycle show, which features more than 200 sparkling, roaring machines.

Jeff MacIntyre, chair of the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Area, said the festival is “a great opportunity for downtown merchants.”

“(Ribfest) reintroduces people to downtown,” he said.

The festival begins Aug. 31 at noon, and wraps up at 5 p.m. on Sept. 2.

For more information, visit www.downtownsudbury.com.