About 45,000 people passed through the gates at Rocky Point Park during the three days of Ribfest last year.
For their seventh round, from July 21 to 23, the Port Moody Rotarians expect the same numbers — if not more.
“Last year was the first year after COVID,” said Frank Marchand of the Ribfest leadership team. “We knew it was going to be popular, but there was still some holdback. So this year, the crowds will be coming.”
To be sure of the count, organizers will have an electronic measure at the entrance gates by the parking lot.
Like in 2022, the festival grounds will be fenced off to allow for open liquor consumption. And organizers didn’t have to look far for beverage service: The six breweries across the street will be pouring.
“We like to support local,” Marchand said, noting suds from Yellow Dog, Rewind, Parkside, Brave, Moody Ales and Twin Sails (as well as Hey Y’all Hard Ice Tea) will be available in the tent and the VIP Zone.
Sponsored by OpenRoad Lexus Port Moody, the VIP zone is a private seating area — facing the stage — with its own bar and ribber: Rusty’s BBQ.
There are three seatings daily, for three hours each: morning, afternoon and night. The reserved seating, at a cost of $30 per online ticket, includes a free drink.
“You don’t have to stand in the lines,” said Glen Brown, a PoMo Rotarian and District 5050 assistant governor.
As for the ribbers whose smoke will be wafting over Rocky Point Park for three days, they’re the same as last year:
- Boss Hog’s BBQ
- Gator BBQ
- Grizzly BBQ
- Prairie Smoke & Spice BBQ
- Pit Crew BBQ
- Rusty’s BBQ
- Smoke & Bones
Their eats will be rated by judges on Sunday (July 23) at 2 p.m.; a spot is open to the public via a Facebook contest.
With 40 Rotarians working since January to put on the club’s signature fundraiser, Marchand said the group relies on its connections and corporate sponsors — most of whom have been Ribfest supporters since Day 1.
In turn, the $200,000 or so brought in from Ribfest goes into the general grant program to support community programs on the club’s list. Recently, it gave $23,000 to send several children to Camp Jubilee.
Currently, the club is looking for a legacy project as a way to give back to the City of Port Moody, Brown said.
“Ribfest is all about community,” Marchand said. “It’s about celebrating Port Moody, gathering and being as one.”
- The seventh annual Ribfest runs on July 21, 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Rocky Point Park (2800-block of Murray Street, Port Moody). Entrance is by donation; a tap will be at the gate to accept cards.
- Dogs are not allowed unless they are service animals. This is due to public health and food regulations — and for the safety of the pets.
- About 100 more volunteers are needed to sign up for a variety of shifts; visit portmoodyribfest.ca/volunteer.
- Dominion Lending is the new presenting sponsor. The Tri-City News is also a media sponsor of Ribfest 2023.
MUSIC LINE-UP
Programmed by Port Moody Rotarian George Balzer, the founder of the Summer Sundays Concerts, the live music is:
Friday:
- 12 p.m.: Venus and Mars
- 2 p.m.: Los Meatballs
- 4 p.m.: Mojo Stars
- 5:45 p.m.: Space Cowboy
- 7:30 p.m.: Barracuda
Saturday:
- 11 a.m.: Nun the Wizer
- 12:30 p.m.: Venus and Mars
- 2:15 p.m.: Steve Sainas Trio
- 4 p.m.: Pop Junkies
- 5:45 p.m.: Perfectly Petty
- 7:30 p.m.: West Coast Chicago
Sunday:
- 11 a.m.: Harris and DeBray
- 12:30 p.m.: Hickelstock
- 3 p.m.: Jason Lane Band
- 4:45 p.m.: Mostly Marley
- 6:30 p.m.: Bad Moon Riders
