The Western Canada Rib Fest Tour is set to roll out on May 24, making stops throughout the summer in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
One of the organizers, Paul Mendonca, told The Epoch Times in a phone interview that they focus on community involvement and feature local artists.
“We’re doing more focus on making sure we have local artists involved like music acts, as well as headliners in certain cities, drawing a crowd,” he said. “We’re very excited about the lineup.”
Another change in this year’s event is Bone Daddy’s BBQ rib truck, which will be cooking up a specific dish.
“Just beef ribs; they won’t have anything pork cooked on there,” Mr. Mendonca said. “That’s something we’re going to be offering which I think will be a big hit coming this year.”
He said organizers started building the event up about eight years ago by partnering with local nonprofit groups like Rotary and Boys and Girls clubs. They started with stops in six cities, and this year plan to make it 19.
Mr. Mendonca hopes the tour will continue to grow.
“Just keep on growing it and making sure we still have a community impact as well as bringing in nonprofits,” he said.
He also said it will be the first year the tour travels under the Western Canada Rib Fest title, but it will be the same great food and good fun in a community atmosphere.
“If you just want to come and listen to music, come on down. If you want to come with your family, there'll be something for everyone to do. We’re really excited about this tour,” he said.
“We always want a low barrier to entry at our events, and just free stuff for kids to get out and do it. Just bring your family, come have fun.”
The tour lineup is:
Performers at the kick-off event include the Shania Twain tribute Shania Twin, Don Amero, Matt Cory and the Bad Decisions, Winnipeg cover band Jukebox Heroes, and more. On May 26, there will be a corn hole tournament (similar to bean bags) and a big rib competition.
