Summer might still be a ways off, but Ribfest coming back is on the minds of Dysart et al.
Earlier this week, Councillor Larry Clarke met with the municipal council representing the Events and Recreation Committee. He says the committee and more over the municipality have some things that need to be addressed if Ribfest returns this summer.
According to the notes from the committee’s last meeting, the dates of the event would be two weeks earlier, meaning Ribfest would happen August 9th to the 11th. In terms of issues or concerns ahead of Ribfest, Clarke says the organizers want to expand the affair to bring in 10,000 people. The committee suggested council think about that because of the availability of parking, water, lighting, wear and tear on the site, and public access to the park.
Clarke says, generally speaking, parking at Head Lake Park is a concern during events like this which is why the committee feels that the event should stay the same size. The organizer is proposing expanding to three rib vendors, and 20 non-food vendors. Last year’s Ribfest had two rib vendors and 10-12 non-food vendors.
The committee also suggests that the Ribfest folks provide their own potable water, suggesting that the use of the water from the Rails End Gallery might not have been enough.
Clarke says the organizers have already agreed to increase the number of portable toilets.
The Events and Recreation Committee is expected to connect with the organizer again in the future.
