Ribfest returning to Leamington July 21-24

LEAMINGTON — The organizers of the Leamington Ribfest have committed to holding the event this summer, with the dates of July 21-24 circled on the calendar.

Chris Glassford,organizer and owner of Summit Shows Canada, organizers of the Leamington Ribfest, says that the event will go on, with hopes that it will be allowed full capacity.

The Leamington Ribfest last appeared in 2019 at Seacliff Park, but was scheduled for a venue change to the Leamington Fairgrounds in 2020. That event and the 2021 event were cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

Pit master and chef Jorge Gonzalez prepares two racks of ribs during Leamington’s first Ribfest in July 2019 at Seacliff Park. Gonzalez BBQ won both Top Overall People’s Choice and Top Overall Celebrity Judges awards.

Southpoint Sun file photo

Glassford is confident that he has safety plans in place to operate safelyand within any guidelines still in effect.

“We have worked hard over the last two years to develop plans that will ensure the event can happen safely for our staff, vendors and patrons,” he said. “Our overall goal is to have the event at an almost full-event scale; however, we are aware reduced attendance or drive-thru methods may need to be implemented under last minute mandates and conditions.”

They expect to have four professional ribbers, numerous live bands and a car show to complement the smell of BBQ ribs wafting throughout the fairgrounds.

The event will carry forward the vendors and ribbers, as well as entertainers that were scheduled for the 2020 event. More details can be found on the Leamington Ribfest Facebook page.