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(GLYNN BROTHEN / iNFOnews.ca)

KAMLOOPS - Even though the smoky haze covering Kamloops continues to linger, one of the summer's most anticipated events will go ahead as scheduled with the Interior Savings Rotary Daybreak Ribfest getting underway tomorrow, August 11.

Spokesperson Bryce Herman says they have made the decision to go ahead with Ribfest because the people who live in Kamloops and those who have come here as evacuees deserve it.

"From our point of view the park is open, it's public space, we're going to continue to do what we do," says Herman. "The only reason we're doing it is because the people really deserve the opportunity to have some great family activities and live entertainment that doesn't cost them anything."

In terms of attendance at this years event Herman accepts there will likely be fewer people wanting to come down to the park for some ribs, but he believes the several thousand evacuees that remain in town will come check out the event to make up for the potential loss.

Amidst intense pressure on social media to cancel the event, Herman says nobody is being forced to go down to the park, but for those who want a little distraction from the wildfire crisis, Ribfest could be what they need right now.

"By no means are we trying to downplay anything that's going on with the wildfire situation," he says. "But this really is a community event and with all the partners that are involved it will certainly give people a very welcome distraction."

Despite all the publicity Kamloops has received for the smoke and the Environment Canada special air quality statement that remains in effect, Herman says he has heard no concerns from any of the ribbers and they are all ready to fire up the grills for a weekend of ribbin'.

This is the fifth year for the event in Kamloops that features three days of live music, family entertainment, and delicious food. This year there are six ribbing teams that will battle it out for the coveted title of "People's Choice".

For more information on the Envrionment Canada air quality statement, go here.

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