Image: From Freddy Beach Ribfest Facebook
New Brunswick ribfests are a go this year – drive-thru style – starting with the Freddy Beach Ribfest beginning on August 21.
“You’ll give your order, you’ll pay for it and they’ll [ribbers] bring it to your vehicle and they’ll drop it off and then you’ll leave and enjoy your ribs at home,” said Executive Director, Mike Vokey.
This year, the Fredericton ribfest will only be three days instead of four and hours will be cut to 11 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
Usually, Fredericton brings in rides, laser tag, vendors, an entertainment tent, and other attractions to make Ribfest into a family event. But this year, none of that is possible due to COVID-19.
“This year, it’s all about the ribs. Ribs and chicken and barbecue – everybody’s got a craving for their favourite barbecue,” Vokey said.
“And that’s what we’re focusing on.”
Vokey said Ribfest has grown to have the biggest attendance out of the events New Brunswick Provincial Exhibition puts on.
He said it’s important to stay community-minded and relevant.
“It’s hard to do that [stay relevant] when you have all these restrictions. So [we had] to come up with a way that we could stay engaged with our community and do something,” Vokey said.
“It won’t be the big fundraiser like it normally is … but it’s good for the community.”
Make-A-Wish will still be collecting donations at the entrance of the exhibition grounds. Vokey said they hope to grant at least one wish this year.
Saint John’s Loyalist City Ribfest will also follow a similar model as Fredericton’s.
Image: From Loyalist City Ribfest Facebook
Peter Wilkins, Chair of Loyalist City Ribfest, said the intention is to have the event run from August 27 until August 30. They haven’t announced all the details yet, but the event will be a drive-thru.
“It’s going to be significantly different because of COVID,” Wilkins said.
“In years past, this was an event that we encouraged people to come to get their meals, stay, listen to live music, frequent the bar and none of that will be available this year.”
The Loyalist City Ribfest will be fundraising for the Y Service Club just like they do every year.
The event will take place at the former Coast Guard site.
The touring ribbers this year are Crabby’s BBQ Shack, Texas Rangers, and Billy Bones. They have been isolating in New Brunswick before their appearance in Fredericton.
The drive-thru style will be different for the ribbers and attendees this year, with all attendees having to stay in their cars.
“There’ll be a lineup to drive up to your chosen ribber, place your order like you would at Tim Hortons, pick up your order, and head back out – so nobody leaves their car,” Wilkins said.
Rotary Ribfest Moncton posted an update on their Facebook page in April saying the event would run from September 4 to 7, but they were unable to confirm their ability to run Ribfest yet this year when contacted.
Hannah Rudderham is a reporter with Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
