Oakville Family Ribfest one saucy weekend

That mouth watering smell of BBQ ribs that will be coming from Sheridan College this weekend can only mean one thing – Oakville Family Ribfest is back.

Oakville’s largest outdoor event returns this year in its full glory with live music, activities and of course a variety of “Ribbers” serving up those saucy ribs from July 28 to 30 in the front parking lot of the Oakville campus on Trafalgar Rd.

After a one-year hiatus and two years as a drive-thru event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the party is back on.

“This expansive paved site means we have more ribs, more music more things to see and do, more fun for the kids, more sweet treats and more enjoyment with friends and family all weekend longs,” said Ribfest organizers.

This year’s event marks the first time that the Rotary Club of Oakville, Oakville Lions Club and Knights of Columbus Marian Council 3881 have joined forces to host the annual festival which will be celebrating its 11^th year.

There’ll be no shortage of rib as nine teams duke it out to be voted the “Best Ribs.” Voting wraps up at 3 p.m. on Sunday, with winners being announced at 4 p.m.

This year’s saucy teams include Boss Hog’s, Route 55 Tennessee BBQ, Gator BBQ, Bubba Lou’s BARBQ, Brick Yard BBQ, Jack the Ribber, Texas Jack’s Barbecue, Camp 31 Real Southern BBQ and Silver Bullet BARBQ.

There’s plenty of more to feast on. Ribfest goers can also sink their teeth into poutine, chicken on a bun, hot dogs, back bacon on a bun, corn on the cob, blooming onions or fried potatoes.

Hankering from something sweet, choose from Beaver Tails, popcorn, ice cream, flavoured ices, lemonade and more.

There’s plenty of entertainment, with three days of live music kicking off Friday at noon with the High Rendition Jazz Band and wrapping up with Elton Rohn at 9 p.m.

Saturday will see Recorded Music take the stage for a couple of hours at 11 a.m. and a full day of entertainment coming to an end with True Rodeo at 9 p.m.

Recorded Music kicks off things Sunday at 11 a.m. and the weekend closes out with the Best of Raggae – Marley and More with House of David Gang from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Or take a stroll through the marketplace, with vendors selling everything from original art and jewellery, hot sauces and healthcare to clothing and food.

You can even talk to someone about planning a new bathroom or kitchen or learn about fitness and crime prevention.

This year’s Kids’ PlayZone is even bigger and it’s all free. There’s face painters, caricature artists, balloon twisters and even a magician to entertain the kids.

Kids can jump around in the bouncy castle, hop on the gymnastics, dance and fitness gym bus, enjoy the do-it-yourself Home Depot project giveaway or sit down and listen to some story telling by the Oakville Public Library.

The Oakville Family Ribfest opens at noon and runs through to 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The entry fee is $5 and is free to kids 8 and under. One hundred per cent of the proceeds go to local charities.