It’s almost time for the biggest event in Guelph each year: Guelph Ribfest, happening this weekend, August 23-25.
Organized by the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, this signature fundraising event, now in its 26th year, has raised over 1.2 million dollars for charities so far.
“We pride ourselves on making Ribfest a very fun, very family-friendly event,” explained Co-Chair Dan O’Donnell. “We must be succeeding, as we average 40,000 attendees each Ribfest weekend.”
He continued, “Family activities include a fantastic midway, face painting, the Guelph Grotto climbing wall, live music, and visits and autograph opportunities from members of the Guelph Storm OHL hockey team. And of course, the ribs!”
Ribfest this year has seven rib vendors participating, as well as loads of other food vendors to appeal to the non-meat eaters in the crowd. No bottled water will be sold at the event, to protect the environment, so bring your refillable water bottle for free refills from the city water wagon. There are also no pets allowed at the event, although service animals are allowed.
“We have a fantastic line up of live music, including True Rodeo, Symply Skynyrd, Black Water Trio and fan favourite, closing on Saturday night, Practically Hip,” enthused O’Donnell. “We also have loads of other vendors and community groups for attendees to shop and learn from, in our Marketplace.”
Ribfest is offering secured valet bicycle parking and a shuttle bus to the event, to help with traffic and parking congestion over the weekend.
“The shuttle bus will run from Guelph Central Station to the top of Marilyn Drive at Woolwich Street on Saturday August 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 11:20 p.m. It will run every 30 minutes. Guelph Transit estimates the journey at 10 minutes,” explained O’Donnell. “We hope people will take advantage of this free service and leave the car at home.”
Guelph Ribfest is happening this Friday to Sunday, August 23 to 25, at Riverside Park in Guelph.
Admission is free, although donations are gratefully received at the gate. More information can be found here.
The Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium is very grateful to the many sponsors who make this fundraiser possible, and the tens of thousands of attendees who make it a success each year.
“One family told me that Ribfest has become their end-of summer tradition, just like the CNE,” said O’Donnell. “That’s a wonderful tribute to this homegrown event. We look forward to seeing everyone at Ribfest 2024!”
