Get ready to fill your grill with some of the best smoked meats from across North America and the Caribbean.
The sixth annual Innisfil Ribfest will return July 12 to 14. Happening on the grounds of Sunset Speedway (6918 Yonge St.), it’ll feature four top-quality rib teams — Louisiana-based Big Bubba Lou’s Bar-B-Q, Las Vegas’s Ribs Royale BBQ, Kingston, Jamaica’s Brick Yard BBQ and London, Ont.’s Texas Jack’s Barbeque — serving smoked ribs, brisket and sausage. There will also be other staples available like barbecued chicken, huge beef “dino” ribs, Bloomin’ Onion, roasted corn, poutine and beer.
“This is our third year at Sunset Speedway,” said Ribfest X and Ontario Festival Group president Rick Brooks, nicknamed ‘Ricky Ribs’. “We can’t wait for everyone to come and enjoy the nice grounds they offer. There’s a variety for everybody and great talent coming.”
Scheduled for this weekend, too, is a kids zone with bouncy castles and inflatable obstacle courses, a marketplace, artisans, live tribute bands playing tunes from Bob Marley, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Blue Rodeo, and local musicians.
And a hot air balloon is planned for the grounds on Saturday, Brooks said.
“It starts with that amazing smell of barbecue when you’re driving by on Yonge Street,” he said. “It’s going to be a great time. We look forward to everyone coming out. We do a few of them in Ontario and Innisfil is always a great spot for us. The community loves it.”
But Brooks also tackled perhaps the ultimate question a backyard chef wants answered by an expert: What goes into making a really good rack of ribs?
“You need a lot of patience; it’s a labour of love to do smoked meats,” he said. “It’s not your typical one to two hours. Ribs go on for about six hours. You need a good rub. You need good wood, good fire, good smoke.”
Pulled pork, he notes, will slowly cook over 10 to 12 hours. Brisket can take about 14.
“It’s a real slow process; that’s the difference,” Brooks said. “When you taste all that juicy meat you can see why it’s so incredibly good, because of all the love and passion that was put into the cooking.”
On Saturday, the event will combine with Sunset Speedway’s regular racing schedule — though separate admission rates apply — blending car racing, grilling and a festive atmosphere into what seems like an almost harmonious connection of the senses.
“(Sunset's) looking for ways to grow their name and audience," Brooks said. "Ribfest carries a lot of weight, a lot of excitement. Combining racing and ribs is a great partnership.”
The event is pet-friendly and parking is complimentary. Admission is $5, though children 10 and under enter for free. Kids zone activities will, however, require a separately purchased wristband.
Ribfest gates open from noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit the Ribfest eventbrite page or go to ribfestx.com.
