Brantford Kinsmen offering drive-thru version of Ribfest

People hungry for some summertime barbecue will be able to load up their plates after all at the Brantford Kinsmen Ribfest.

The local Kinsmen Club hoped to bring back the full event for the first time since the pandemic, but announced in May they were being forced to cancel it due to a lack of suitable location and a substantial decrease in sponsorship and volunteers.

But Jeff Harding, entertainment coordinator for Ribfest, said organizers were able to “shift things around in order to offer a drive-thru version” of Ribfest in the Brantford and District Civic Center parking lot.

“We had lots of support and lots of questions,” said Harding. “We decided to offer a scaled-down version. People really do look forward to it.”

The event will be held on the days originally scheduled for the festival – Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

“It’s not what we hoped for but it’s something,” said Harding. “Hopefully, we’ll have a full return of the festival in 2024.”

Running a scaled-down version of the event also allows the Kinsmen Club to hold its place in the Ribfest schedule. “Ribbers” are booked at events all over southwestern Ontario every weekend during the summer.

There will be three ribbers at the Kinsmen Ribfest – Brantford-based Crazy Canuck Smokers; Brickyard BBQ; and Barbecue Junkie. They will be offering barbecued ribs, chicken and pulled pork.

Food will be served on Aug. 11 from 4 pm to 7 pm; Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Aug. 13 from 11 am to 7 pm Visitors can drive in and order from their vehicles. People are also invited to walk up.

Harding said Brantford Kinsmen Ribfest is having difficulty finding a permanent home. It was held at Cockshutt Park for 10 years before the city said it would have to move because special events were no longer permitted on sports fields.

Harding said city staff worked with the Kinsmen this year to find a spot in Mohawk Park but none could be found that suited both the city and the club.

Last year’s Ribfest was also held in the civic center parking lot.

“What the city needs is a proper facility for special events,” said Harding back in May. “We’re just a group of guys trying to do something. We’re just trying to positively contribute to the community but it has been nothing but headaches for the last couple years.”

In its most successful years, Ribfest drew about 30,000 visitors who enjoyed meat cooked by “North America’s best ribbers” competing for awards.

Ribfest is a fundraiser for the Kinsmen, with proceeds used to support sports teams, rehabilitation efforts for those with disabilities, Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services, senior and youth clubs and children’s camps. Across Canada, Kinsmen clubs raise money to support Cystic Fibrosis research.

Harding said the club would love to hear from anyone who has suitable private property where Ribfest could be held. They’re also looking for title sponsors for 2024.