Thursday, April 18, 2024

One last summer feast: The Esquimalt Ribfest is this weekend

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Nothing epitomizes summer quite like an outdoor barbecue.

That aroma – we all know it – interrupts conversations, demands your attention, and often provokes the phrase, “Dang, that smells good.”

Well, thanks to the lovely community of Esquimalt and rib masters from around the country, we can all prep our bibs and start drooling about ribs.

Of course, if you’re like us, an apron or rain jacket might be a more suitable defense against those delicious sauces.

Plan accordingly.

Brews, ribs, live music, and a vintage car show

All of Bullen Park will be dedicated to sensationalizing your taste buds, soothing your ear drums, and giving your kids something to yell about other than whose turn it is to use the iPad.

A car show featuring vintage models will fill the Esquimalt Curling parking lot, equipped with a 50/50 draw and a smorgasbord of prizes and draws.

With live music rockin’ all day and a beer garden for the thirsty, the whole scene will exemplify community, family, and the uniting power of a good old fashioned barbecue.

The “meat” of the event

(www.esquimaltribfest.com)

Wrapped in all of this fun and community will be 6 Ribbers engaging in a battle of taste as they try and win over the panel of celebrity judges.

On Saturday at 4pm, Ribbers will present their cuisine to the panel, and two awards will be given: Best Sauce and Best Ribs.

Fear not, you get a say too! A third award, The People’s Choice Award, will also be dished out, and Ribfest attendees are encouraged to place their votes.

They will be offering delicious options ranging from beef and pork ribs to barbecued chicken.

This year’s squad will feature:

  • Boss Hog’s
  • Gator BBQ
  • Grizzly Ribs
  • Misty Mountain
  • Prairie Smoke & Spice
  • Smoke & Bones

Bring the kids and check out the giant hamster ball course!

Whether your kid has energy to burn or a creative side requiring nourishment, no child shall be left behind at Ribfest 2018. There will be a bouncy castle, or if they’re feeling particularly agile, there will be a giant 50 ft. long obstacle course.

Crafts, button making, colouring, rib bib design, and oodles of carnival games will also be available for those who prefer less exhausting activities.

Of course, they can also eat ribs too.

Esquimalt Ribfest 2018

  • When:
    • Friday, Sept. 7, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
    • Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
    • Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • Where: Bullen Park behind Esquimalt Plaza
  • Cost: Free to enter
Jeremy Weeres
Jeremy Weeres
Victoria Royals and hockey writer at Victoria Buzz

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