Giant ribs festival tour to stop in Hamilton this weekend
Published July 19, 2023 at 6:22 pm
A massive ribs festival is getting ready to heat up the grill in the Hammer.
This weekend, people can indulge in BBQ made by award-winning cooks, live country, rock and mashup music, and a beer market.
Non-alcoholic drinks and vegan fare will be on the menu too.
The Rib and Beer Festival tour is making a stop at the Ancaster Fairgrounds (630 Trinity Road S., Jerseyville) from Friday to Sunday (July 21 to 23). The Ribfest tour bills itself as the largest of its kind in North America.
“Northern Heat Rib Series is one of Southern Ontario’s largest summer festival tours,” said Robyn Wilson, owner and event organizer, in a statement. “We are excited to be back and continuously improving our festival operations, bringing new entertainment, local acts, and heating up the grills to serve up the best festival food.”
The event features five award-winning competition BBQ teams, including Kentucky Smokehouse, Louisiana BAR-B-QUE, Big Hank’s BBQ Shack and Oak & Barrel.
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A beer market will feature a selection of ice-cold drinks, from Molson products and wine to vodka cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
There will backyard BBQ games and a kid zone.
The festival kicks off on Friday with live country music, rock music Saturday and mashup hits Sunday.
The event is open at the following times and dates:
Friday: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
(Gates close one hour before closing time.)
COURTESY NORTHERN HEAT RIB SERIES VIA FACEBOOK
People will find pork ribs, beef ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, BBQ chicken and coleslaw among the offerings. Other examples of festival favourites include cornbread, funnel cakes, blooming onions, ice cream, poutine, deep-fried treats, Jolly Rancher slushies, fresh-squeezed lemonade and even vegetarian options.
Admission is $2 per person. Children 12 and under are free.
Free parking is available. Those bringing pets must sign waivers. Pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.
People are encouraged to RSVP on Facebook.
For the “battle of the ribs,” people can vote for their favourite ribs and sauce for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
The event supports Glanbrook Community Services.
The organizer said it will use 100-per-cent compostable and recyclable food and beverage containers.
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