Summer rib festivals sizzling soon in Okanagan and Kamloops
Summer is right around the corner and that means rib festivals are about to get cooking in the Okanagan and Kamloops, and they aren’t just for barbecue lovers, the community festivals offer tons of entertainment and activities for the whole family.
The free events are often vibrant with live music, kids play zones and activities like face painting, beverage gardens and food vendors. And while families are taking in the sites and snacks, world class "ribbers" from across the country duke it out for the title of the best ribs.
The annual Penticton Rotary Ribfest at Skaha Lake Park is scheduled for the Canada Day long weekend this year from Friday, June 30, to Sunday July 2. It promises a "non-stop party that you won't want to miss," according to the website.
There be live entertainment and beer gardens at the Vernon Ribfest at Historic O’Keefe Ranch north of the city from Friday, July 7, Sunday, July 9. Admission is by donation and includes entry into the ranch. More information can be found here.
Rib lovers and festival fans in Kamloops will have to wait until August to enjoy the Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest that will turn the east end of Riverside Park into a family entertainment zone.
The Family Fun Zone will feature bouncy castles, face painting and kids games and a lineup up of classic rock and country bands will perform throughout the festival at the bandshell.
The festival will be held from Friday, Aug. 11, to Sunday Aug. 13. Admission is by donation. Go here for more information.
Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise no longer hosts a ribfest in the city. The last one was in August of 2020.
— This article was corrected Wednesday, June 7 at 2:21 p.m. to provide the correct date for the Vernon Ribfest.
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