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Penticton home to the Okanagan’s only Ribfest this Canada Day weekend

The festival runs from July 1 to 3 at Skaha Lake Park
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(Black Press Media file photo)

Some of North America’s best-tasting ribs are coming to Penticton’s Skaha Lake Park this Canada Day weekend.

With neither Vernon nor Kelowna running their own version of Ribfest in 2022, Penticton is now Okanagan’s sole home of the beloved food festival.

A total of five professional ribbers, hailing from as far as Ontario and Florida, will be in attendance from July 1 to 3 to serve the thousands of hungry people expected to attend the event.

The money raised at Penticton Rotary Ribfest, as it’s officially called, will be donated back to the community, including to a plan that would see the splash pad at Skaha Lake Park rebuilt.

“This is all about charity,” said the festival’s communications coordinator Don Michiel when asked about the event. “This is our way to help the community. Last time around, we raised between $45,000 to $50,000.”

Ribbers will compete for “all the bragging rights,” according to Michiel, in three different categories: best sauce, best ribs and people’s choice.

It’s not just eating food, though, that will be among the featured activities this weekend in Penticton.

The Heels, a Vancouver country-music trio, will wrap up the festival on Sunday night with a special performance.

Admission to enter the event grounds is free.

Food and beverages, along with items from several vendors, will be available for purchase.

Micheil added that the festival will also feature vegan options.

READ MORE: Expect a busy Canada Day weekend with 3 major events in Penticton


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com