Sudbury Ribfest returns to Bell Park

A Labour Day long weekend favourite has returned to Greater Sudbury's Bell Park.

The 15th annual Sudbury Ribfest is back for three days of live music, activities and delicious food.

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Sudbury's last hurrah of summer

"It is the perfect hurrah for the last, you know, long weekend before our kids go back to school," said festival organizer Kelsey Cutinello.

"People are back usually from camp and can be here for the weekend and it's always works."

The festival opened around noon on Friday, with many participants entering the grounds early.

Festival goers Sean and Clover were excited for the event's return.

"I look forward to it every single year. It's my go to," Sean said.

"I love the ribs. I love the chicken. It's a great event."

Clover said, while this was her second time attending, last year did not disappoint.

"The ribs are super good all the time," she said.

"I'm super excited to try it out again."

The 15th annual Sudbury Ribfest is back for three days of live music, activities and delicious food. August 30, 2024. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News Norhtern Ontairo)

A big move

This is Ribfest’s third year at Bell Park after previously being held downtown. Cutinello said the move was successful in expanding the festival's reach.

"When it was downtown was a smaller footprint," she explained.

"Being here at Bell Park, we do see a lot more foot traffic that's coming in from even if they're just on the Bell Park walkway coming up and checking it out."

Cutinello told CTV News that the switch has led to more businesses and vendors reaching out. This year, there are 39 vendors and three nights of live music.

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A new team

New this year is Jack the Ribber, based out of Nashville, Tennessee.

Victor Anast, pit master, said they use third-generation sauce and a unique combination of spices.

"You need a heck of a lot of time and you need a proper cut of meat," Anast said.

"We've been here since about 4:30 this morning smoking our ribs to have them ready for noon hour. The brisket went in last night at about 7 p.m. We smoke it at 225 for about 14 hours and we wrap it in our beef tallow."

Anast said Jack the Ribber is currently wrapping up a Canadian Ribfest tour before heading back to the states. He said the people in northeastern Ontario have been welcoming.

"The community of all the northern cities and towns seem to be really receptive to the barbecue," he said.

"They seem to just come out in droves and really like our barbecue. And, you know, they grab a half a dozen bottles of our sauce, take it home for the winter."

Admission to Sudbury Ribfest is free and the event is for all ages.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival are donated to charity. Over the last two years, $15,000 has been given back to various organizations in the community.

"We have two organizations we're working with this year. We have the Salvation Army, which is the Cedar House that is the beneficiary," she said.

"We also have au1 16 C Cubs team that are doing all the volunteering this weekend and we're donating money to their team and organization as well."

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It's estimated 50,000 people will filter through the festival by the time it wraps up on Sunday.

For more information on the festival, its vendors and live music schedule, visit their website.