London Ribfest

London Ribfest
Begins1 August 2024
Ends5 August 2024
FrequencyAnnual
Location(s)Victoria Park, London, Ontario, Canada
Inaugurated1985
Most recent2024
Participants200,000
Websitehttps://www.canadasbiggestparty.com/
London Ribfest on Facebook

The London Ribfest is a festival held annually in London, Ontario, Canada on the weekend of Civic Holiday. It has been running since 1985 [1] and involves charity and home show exhibits.[2]

History

Three years after the London Ribfest festival first started, the Boys & Girls Clubs of London took over operations for 20 years.[1] In 2008, they decided to end their involvement with Ribfest, citing ongoing financial and sponsorship concerns.[1] The possible cancellation of another festival in London caused concerns with how the city handles its festivals.[3]

The city choose to pass the event to London-based company, Family Shows Canada,[4] and in 2009, Family Shows Canada took over the operations of London Ribfest.

The London Ribfest has since expanded their list of things to do and eat at the event. In 2010, the event had 225 exhibits, 100 live bands, cooking demonstrations, food vendors, and amusement rides.[2][5]

2020 was on hiatus for the first time on grounds of COVID-19 pandemic.

References

  1. ^ a b c Brenk, Van (2008-12-16). "Boys' and Girls' Club kisses annual rib-fest goodbye". Sun Media. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  2. ^ a b Klanac, Bob (2010-07-01). "Ribfest 2010 Bigger and Better". Scene Magazine. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  3. ^ Richmond, Randy (2008-12-01). "City of London blamed for failed tourism". Sun Media. Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  4. ^ Dubinski, Kate (2009-01-20). "Ribfest back on with new operator". Sun Media. Archived from the original on 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2010-12-12.
  5. ^ Reaney, James (2010-07-30). "Cooking up lots of food and entertainment". Sun Media. Retrieved 2010-12-12.