The Rotary Club of Port Moody RibFest was given a stamp of approval by city council Tuesday with a three-year assistance agreement that will ensure the popular event will continue through 2019.
RibFest chair Alan Schmelzel said council's support in the form of in-kind services worth $35,000 annually will cover the cost of policing, support and cleanup costs as well as providing PoMo Rotary with stability to seek sponsorships to help cover other expenses.
"We're very pleased to have their support for the next three years — we were looking to be here for awhile," said Schmelzel.
With organizing already underway for the third annual event — slated for July 21 to 23 at Rocky Point Park — it was important to get the city onside, he said. "The city is our partner and we can't really do the RibFest without their support."
For Port Moody, backing the festival was a no brainer, said Ron Higo, general manager of community services. He said RibFest brings some 40,000 people into the city and generates funds for community groups and projects — at about $78,000 last year, that is double the city's investment.
"What it does is it leverages the city's investment into doing much more in the community," Higo said.
In addition to supporting local charities, such as the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, local schools, Girl Guides and sporting clubs, PoMo Rotary hopes to be able to contribute to a legacy project that will benefit the city, Schmelzel said.
As well, a number of local businesses, including the four Murray Street craft breweries, are expected to benefit because RibFest shops locally as much as possible for supplies, Schmelzel said.
Helping RibFest extend its reach this year will be the Evergreen Extension, which will make it easier for people to attend without worrying about parking or drinking and driving, he said.
"We think the Evergreen [Extension] will help us and that's something we want to try and promote," Schmelzel said.
Although it's only mid-February, a lot of planning has already been done to make the event a success, he noted, and now it's time to start looking for volunteers. Last year 500 people volunteered their time and Schmelzel is looking to match that number or best it.
• To find out more about the event and to volunteer, visit www.portmoodyribfest.ca
