London Ribfest is chopping down conventional food festival customs with a new attraction.
The five-day festival is expected to draw thousands of people to Victoria Park this weekend.
New to the festival this year is the Stihl Timbersports 2016 Canadian Championship, which will bring master wielders of axes and chainsaws from across the country to London. The competition will be broadcast by TSN.
Festival organizer Doug Hillier, president of Family Shows Canada, believes outside of the box attractions are what makes Ribfest unique, and ultimately, so successful.
“Other festivals don’t promote excitement. We promote excitement, mayhem, craziness, flash mobs, all kinds of things that are fun and exciting," says Hillier. “We’ve got it all here. Everything that is interesting and entertaining is at Ribfest.”
"Ribbers row" will feature ten ribbers with their own special barbecue sauces, cooking up a variety of ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. They will be vying for awards including best ribber and people's choice.
Dozens of other food vendors will also be on site offering everything from french fries and pogos to international delicacies. For non-meat eaters, a new vegan pavilion has been set-up.
“When you have some people that either don’t eat pork, or they don’t eat meat, than the vegan pavilion is really going to be a success,” says Hillier.
While food is an integral part of Ribfest, there will be other attractions, including midway rides on Dufferin St. and three stages of live music. Among those set to preform include Kiss impersonators and a bagpipe-fueled rock group.
London Ribfest runs Thursday to Monday, from 11am to 11pm daily. Admission is free.
More information can be found be clicking here.
**This story was written by Samuel Gallant. Samuel is a student in the Fanshawe College broadcast journalism program. He is performing a summer internship with Blackburn News.**