Those who weren’t able to make it to RibFest Langley will have to wait a year. But there will be a next year.
The four Rotary clubs of Langley hosted their first barbecue fundraiser on the Aug. 17 to 19 weekend, and based on the success of the first outing, the plan is to make this an annual event.
“The attendance we’re estimating that at about 30,000 [people] over the three days,” said Rotarian Jeff Morfitt. “Everything came off smoothly.”
The barbecue party took over McLeod Athletic Park but was initially booked to happen outside by the Langley Events Centre. Construction forced the change of venue which proved to be perfect for the fundraiser.
Morfitt said the final tally isn’t done yet, but the proceeds will be divided between the four Rotary Clubs for them to distribute to their charities and various causes.
Attendance was good but the revenues from the beer gardens likely won’t be as much as organizers had hoped for. The public was admitted free to RibFest but could make a donation at one of several pig-shaped bins around the grounds.
The Rotarians volunteer their labour to organize the event and help offset costs with sponsorships.
“We were just absolutely overwhelmed with how the commercial community responded to it,” he said.
There were over a dozen sponsors providing support in excess of the $10,000 mark.
Langley clubs didn’t have to reinvent the recipe when deciding to host a RibFest.
Five of the six RibFests around B.C. are Rotary events. Morfitt said the Port Moody Rotary organizers were very helpful in planning and several of them helped at Langley’s RibFest.
A large stage was host to an revolving array of live entertainment. Zumba dancers performed lunchtime Friday to help RibFest patrons work off a bit of the tasty treats they had enjoyed.
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In addition to barbecue goodies for purchase, the barbecue booths offered samples.
Kids had a chance to show off their putting skills in a nine-hole miniature golf course.
There were also bouncy castles and a book sale. Hands-on activities included a crafts station and facepainting.
Fraser Valley Regional Library offered crafts and storytelling on Saturday, Aug. 18.
RibFest alsos include a TotZone – a place for parents with babies and small children to have a bit of a rest, and even deal with that soiled nappy.
There was a family beer garden, which will include a bean toss and colouring contests.
The first-ever Langley RibFest is being presented by Langley’s credit unions and hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Langley, Langley Sunrise, Langley Central, and Aldergrove.
The focus of the event was barbecued ribs prepared by champion ribbers from across Canada (Boss Hogs, Prairie Smoke, Gator BBQ, Smoke and Bones Barbecue and Guerilla Q).
Local craft beers were featured in the adult and family beer gardens, and there will be a number of related concessions, with live music and entertainment throughout.
Organizers have installed many tents and a massive shade cover to provide comfortable seating for the public. Crews of volunteers tour the grounds, keeping the tables cleaned, and the event features compostable dinnerware.
