TIMMINS - Ribfest organizers are wiping the sauce from their hands and are already planning for next year.
Thousands of people ate their fill of ribs, chicken, mac and cheese and more at the Rotary Club of Timmins-Porcupine's Ribfest held Aug. 23-25 at Participark.
Ribfest committee head Andre Rochon said that bringing the event back after nine years brought some lessons.
“It’s like starting all over,” he said. “We’re thankful for everyone who stepped up and helped with the event.”
Route 55, Jack the Ribber and Texas Jack’s, who travelled from Texas to join in the event, were in town for the return of the fundraiser.
On Sunday, Jack the Ribber was crowned the best at the event, taking home the first-place hardware across the board — for best sauce, chicken and ribs.
The final total for how much money was raised is not available yet.
The Timmins crowd was hungry, with one team sending a runner to Barrie and back so they’d have enough stock to feed everyone on Sunday.
“He’s gotten no sleep at all,” said Rochon.
The event kicked off Friday night but had the official opening on Saturday with the ceremonial rib-cutting. Rotary Club of Timmins Porcupine president Ross McIvor, along with Timmins MPP George Pirie and Mayor Michelle Boileau, sliced up three racks of ribs and got to taste-test the offerings.
There was also the inaugural dirtiest and cleanest rib-eating contest.
Saturday night saw the hungry crowd fill the beer gardens for local bands Shaun Melanson, Coldwater, Shaftsman, and Failed Attempt. During the show, attendees enjoyed a foam party, and the success of that event saw the fun continue for families on Saturday and Sunday as well.
Even as the tents were coming down for this year’s event, McIvor said plans are already in the works for next year’s event.
“Hopefully, next year will be bigger and better than ever,” he said.
