There are still a few weeks to go before the second annual Port Moody RibFest, but it's up for debate whether that will be enough time for everyone to ready their stomachs in preparation for the weekend-long homage to meat.
Organizers are more than prepared, however, having fine-tuned many of the details after a successful inaugural run last summer. And all that organizing is going to come in handy, considering the event is expected to draw up to 60,000 rib-hungry patrons to Rocky Point Park July 22 to 24.
"We've improved the flow, improved the beer garden access, the tickets, washrooms…we expect it to be a far more efficient operation than last year," said co-organizer Ian MacPhail.
The Rotary Club of Port Moody is also stepping up its RibFest game in a number of other areas.
Thirsty rib-lovers can rest easy, knowing the size of both the adults-only and family-zone beverage gardens, which will be located below the water park, will be doubled.
Running around after little ones while trying to nosh on ribs? Keep them busy with loads of activities in the Kids' Fun Zone, which features hands-on sculpturing, climbing wall, golf, photo both, an interactive nature station, face painting and more.
If you're looking to kick back and enjoy some live music, RibFest has that covered as well, with performers including Freakin' Groovies, Coco Jafro, Big City Soul, Mostly Marley and Groove & Tonic gearing up to take the stage.
Feeling lucky? Keep your fingers crossed as you buy those 50/50 tickets — there are 4,300 up for grabs with the $35,000 winner set to leave RibFest with a full belly and an even fuller wallet.
Also lucky will be the RibFesters who come to Rocky Point Park ready to eat a serious amount of ribs.
Thousands of pounds of chicken, pulled pork and ribs will be slow-smoking their way to mouth-watering perfection throughout the weekend as the same five award-winning ribbers — Misty Mountain BBQ (Hinton, AB), Prairie Smoke & Spice (Regina, SK), Smoke & Bones (North Vancouver), Boss Hog's (London, ON) and Gator BBQ (West Simcoe, ON) — are returning to PoMo to deliver their signature blends of smoke and sauce.
Co-organizer Alan Schmelzel said the food delivery system has been improved with a bit of technological assistance. Diners will be texted when their order is ready to be picked up, instead of having several volunteers searching for numbers on tables.
The text message system can also be used to vote for your favourite sauce and the best ribs in the people's choice awards. A panel of celebrity judges will also be crowning the RibFest winner on Sunday, July 24.
Proceeds from RibFest go to Rotary charities, including a summer camp for kids from low-income families, the Mossom Creek Hatchery, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and more.
Organizers are hoping to draw 300 volunteers for shifts throughout the weekend, and are offering up about $20,000 in prize giveaways for those who donate their time for the cause.
• Port Moody RibFest runs from July 22 to 24 at Rocky Point Park. Keep all the details close at hand with the RibFest app, available for Apple and android devices. Visit www.portmoodyribfest.ca for full details and to register as a volunteer.
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