Ribfest is Baaaaaack!

The most cherished festival of the summer is coming back to Cornwall in 2021, and although it may look a bit different, it will be just as epic as ever! 

The organizers have been working really hard with the Health Unit to make sure they create an event that will adhere to the safety measures in place, while giving people the entertaining event full of food, drinks and live music they’ve come to expect from Ribfest.

The Optimist Club of Cornwall, who brought innovative solutions to the otherwise canceled happenings of 2020–think drive through Ribfest, Halloween Trunk or Treat and the Service Club Council’s Santa Claus Reverse Parade–are once again powering this festival, and they are sparing no effort!

“It’s been a tough year. Everybody needs this,” said Terry Muir, President of the Optimist Club. “We want to give the people a good party while still being safe. Masks will be mandatory and people will have to reserve their spots, as space will be limited. It will look different this year, but it will be equally awesome.” 

VersaCore Tech Designs, the firm behind Ribfest’s marketing plans, is working on a reservation system that will allow patrons to select their spot online and pay for it. “Because we won’t have the revenue we usually have in a normal year to pay for the entertainment, and because the spots will be very limited, we have opted to make the spots available for a fee,” said Julia Lucio, media coordinator. “A 6 person circle will be $30, a 4 person one will be $20 and a 2 person one will set you off $10. Of course, you will have to stick to the people in your circle as social distancing is still in place, but hey, it’s better than driving through, picking up your ribs and eating them in front of your TV while watching Netflix!”

“We are aiming at helping the local bands. This is another different thing this year” continued Terry. The local live music industry has completely died out. We need to help our own first and foremost. We also want to limit the influx of people living in hotspots and a lot of the bigger tribute bands come from Toronto, so it’s our small way to make sure we stop the spread.”

The midway will also be returning, with a limited amount of rides and sanitary measures implemented.

Sponsorships are available and made to accommodate small businesses who have had a really hard time surviving. “We’re adding a “Pay-what-you-can” option to this year’s sponsorship packages,” continued Julia. We know how small businesses have suffered throughout the pandemic. Owners can give any amount they wish to have their logo on our website and a link to their own site or Facebook page. We won’t refuse any amount. We just want to give back.” 

And speaking of giving back, like last year, leading up the the main week-end of festivities, Ribfest will be hosting its Community Cookout, a full week of special BBQ offerings taking place at various local restaurants and giving people the opportunity to taste new things and win money! Information on how to obtain a spot will be advertised on Ribfest’s Website in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on https://cornwallribfest.com and on Ribfest’s Facebook page for details when they become available. Ribfest is happening July 23rd to 25th with the Community Cookout returning the week before.

Information available on their website at https://cornwallribfest.com