New organizers of the Saint John Ribfest have announced plans to enhance the city’s annual event, launching AREA 506 Ribfest.
Co-chair Mike Vokey anticipates up to 20,000 New Brunswickers and tourists during the cruise ship season will be at the festival’s new permanent location at the uptown Waterfront Container Village during Father’s Day weekend (June 14 to 16).
“Saint John is just the perfect city for a ribfest and it’s a great new event,” said Vokey.
“The Area 506 Ribfest is more than a new name. It’s a totally new event with a new long-term home in uptown Saint John, new partners, new experience and it is going to be a blast.”
Vokey said four “ribbers” will compete for Saint John’s champion ribs, chicken, and barbecue sauce: Crabby’s BBQ, Fat Boys, Camp 31, and Billy Bones.
Local vendors can submit an application until June 1 to attend. Details can be found by clicking here.
Also new to the event is live music, with local artists such as Donnie and The Monarchs, The Mix, and Penalty Box taking the stage. National tributes for Bon Jovi, The Tragically Hip, and Taylor Swift will also perform at the Container Village.
Also new this year, festival organizers announced the new charity partner: Make-A-Wish Canada.
Vokey says the festival won’t have tickets and people are asked to bring donations to help the non-profit grant a wish to local kids with serious illnesses.
Director of the Make-A-Wish Canada New Brunswick Chapter, Sandi Hancox, says the support of ribfest and the generosity of everyone involved can have Make-A-Wish continue to fulfill the wishes of these brave children and bring joy and hope to their lives.
The Saint John Ribfest was previously presented by The Saint John Y’s Men however, the service club was unable to continue to organize the event.
The ribbers asked Vokey, who brought the original ribfest to the Maritimes more than a decade ago, to step up and keep the festival in Saint John.
