Meaty ribs from local vendors, and beyond Thunder Bay, will again be devoured in August with Ribfest.
Net proceeds go to Our Kids Count, with Executive Director Gladys Berringer noting it’ll be at a spot providing more space than the Gateway Casino parking lot.
“The CLE, we’ve been tossing that around for the last couple of years, and this year just seemed like a great time to make the move. The CLE was open to us coming here, and it’s really designed to provide a fair space, and the Ribfest is growing.”
The Our Kids Count Executive Director adds to expect more local vendors, since people have been asking for that.
She says the new location will give more protection from the weather.
“With the coliseum being right on hand, we can look at using that space to accommodate our vendors, particularly the artisans. One of the main concerns of the artisans each year is that it is an outdoor show, and it is dependent upon the weather.”
And, the President of the CLE is welcoming this news.
Al Law refers to the CLE grounds as the meeting place for the community, with three weeks of events in August, including the CLE itself.
“55 to 60,000 people, the following weekend you have the huge car show, the CLE is involved, you’re looking at about 3 to 5,000 plus there, and then boom, the following weekend fall into Ribfest.”
The CLE head adds organizers of Our Kids Count, the beneficiaries of Ribfest, approached him first.
This year will also feature 807 Cross Fit and Strong Man Challenges, Taranis Excavator Rodeo, the Kub Kar Rally and more.
