If you thought you weren’t going to get those delicious, juicy and sticky ribs this summer, think again.
One of the most hotly anticipated events on the Barrie calendar is coming back.
This Saturday and Sunday at the Georgian Mall parking lot, the smell of ribs and pulled pork will be in the air for the Ribfest Drive-Thru. The event will take place at the front of the north-end mall, close to the location formerly occupied by Sears.
Stacey Zubczyk, who is helping to co-ordinate the event, told BarrieToday it is a great opportunity to have a sense of summer normalcy for those who look forward to the annual ribfest.
“Ribfests are a summer staple of summer, not just in Barrie but all over,” said Zubczyk. “Because of COVID-19, every municipality has had to go without them. This is a great way to safely enjoy the event.”
The Downtown Barrie Craft Beer and BBQ Festival was supposed to happen July 10-12 at Meridian Place, but the coronavirus stopped large gatherings and events.
Now, three rib teams have partnered with McCowan and Associates at Georgian Mall to host the drive-thru version in support of patient care at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH).
Camp 31 Barbeque, Billy Bones’ BBQ and Pistol Pete’s will be set up in a drive-thru format in the mall parking lot.
Zubczyk says she wants to help the ribfest organizers who have had a huge partnership with the city's downtown for years.
But, more importantly, she wanted to help RVH.
“A big part of doing this is the giving back aspect,” said Zubczyk. “It is well known how much our RVH does for our community and anytime you can give back, it is a joy. We’re hoping to raise lots of money for them and show our support through this current pandemic.”
For a $3 charitable entry fee, patrons will be able to drive their vehicle through sectioned lanes and purchase their meals from their rib team of choice. All entry fees collected will help support patient care at the Barrie hospital.
RVH Foundation chief executive officer Eric Dean says he's thankful for all the help.
“We’re especially grateful to see Ribfest support patient care at RVH," he said in a release. "This unique event will provide not only an opportunity for families to try some delicious barbecue, but a great way to give back to RVH as well. Our thanks go out to the rib teams, Georgian Mall and everyone who comes out to the event for continuing to support patient care at RVH during this very challenging year.”
The Ribfest Drive-Thru will run Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
