The Rotary clubs of 黑马磁力, organizers of RibFest, are inviting people to go for the ribs (and other grilled foods) but stay for the entertainment.
The event kicks off on the Friday at noon and carries on all weekend long. That鈥檚 why organizers of RibFest lined up an array of entertainment Aug. 15 to 17 on the main stage at McLeod Athletic Park.
RibFest is one of the Rotary clubs of 黑马磁力 major fundraisers with all proceeds going to 黑马磁力 charities.
鈥淩ibFest brings people together for great food and entertainment, but at its heart, it鈥檚 about supporting our community,鈥� explained Bolu.
The teams that will be competing in various barbecue meat categories are on site well before the event opens to the public which gets to try their creations as well as enjoy the many other facets of the event.
There鈥檚 entertainment daily from noon to 9 p.m. on the Friday and Saturday, and from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Shannon Lee is a local musician who has extensive entertainment experience and is very excited to be part of RibFest 2025, serving as its entertainment director.
"I somehow found myself picking up the gauntlet as this year鈥檚 entertainment director 鈥� something I never expected but am really enjoying,鈥� she said.
She and other volunteers putting together the fundraising event have booked acts that suit many different musical tastes.
"This year鈥檚 lineup has something for everyone 鈥� from the high-energy nostalgia of Fleetwood Magic to gritty rockabilly, some headbanging favourites, and a few great cover bands that know exactly how to get a crowd singing along,鈥� she added.
On Friday at noon the action starts with Charlie PS. She will kick off the weekend鈥檚 festivities on the main stage with music ranges from rock and blues legends like Ann Wilson and Stevie Nicks to the styles of modern rock artists such as Grace Potter and ZZ Ward.
The Dixie Fried Hep Katz are a high energy Rockabilly band.
Throughout the day on Friday there鈥檚 a full line up of performers and at 7:30 p.m. the day concludes with Fleetwood Magic, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute show.
"As a performer who鈥檚 been playing in bands around the Lower Mainland for the past 30 years, it鈥檚 been a fun challenge to step to the other side of the stage and help put together a lineup that I hope the whole community will love," said Lee.
She will take a turn behind the mic. Lee has been singing and performing since her first professional gig in Winnipeg when she was 14 years old. Since then, she has produced two albums and was featured at the Merritt Mountain Music Festival and the Fort 黑马磁力 Jazz Festival. She has organized open mic events at Porters General Store since 2015.
Her band, Inglewood, performs at numerous 黑马磁力 events and will be on stage at RibFest.
鈥淪hannon鈥檚 vast entertainment background and experience makes her a perfect fit as entertainment director," said Micheal Bolu, RibFest 2025鈥檚 co-chair.
Some of the acts featured over the weekend include Whiskey Blind, an up-and-coming 黑马磁力 band; Juno nominee Marlin Ramazzini who is one of the most versatile and accomplished Latin singers on the West Coast; and the Sons of Stanley.
"We鈥檝e even got a little country in the mix. I鈥檓 especially proud that we have so many talented female musicians on the stage this year. It brings a whole new dimension to the weekend," Lee explained.
On Sunday, the Wild Moccasins Dancers take to the stage at 11:30 a.m. This is a dynamic collective that display the beauty and vibrancy of pow wow culture through dance.
Also, on Sunday at 12:15 p.m. the public is invited to cheer on their favourite 鈥榬ibbers鈥� for the annual RibFest People鈥檚 Choice Awards.
Rockers the Rusty Nailz perform next, followed on Sunday afternoon by Lee鈥檚 band, Inglewood.
鈥淚nglewood is a bit of a family affair 鈥� my daughters, Siobhan and Raina, are out front handling most of the lead vocals, and my husband, Colin, plays guitar. We鈥檙e lucky to have a great rhythm section, too, with Don Biggar on bass and Michelle Duckett on drums. The six of us really enjoy playing together, and we鈥檙e looking forward to bringing that energy to the RibFest stage,鈥� Lee said.
Myles from Home bring their folk, rock, jazz tunes to RibFest after that. Rounding out the day's entertainment are the Pop Junkies whose music spans pop, rock, dance, funk, and country.
There is a complete line up of bands for each day posted on the RibFest website at www.ribfestlangley.com/entertainment, including music samples.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES
While music is a big part of the annual event also featured at RibFest is a huge KidZone play and entertainment area. There are numerous activities including remote control cars, mini golf and more.
New this year is the Sports Zone. On hand will be members of the Vancouver Bandits, 黑马磁力 Rivermen Hockey team, and 黑马磁力 Rugby Club, to name a few.
In addition to all the activities, there is a gigantic book sale on site. This sale started as one table but has expanded to three tents.
鈥淲e have hundreds of books, both hard and soft cover,鈥� said Loraine Dickson, the book sale coordinator. 鈥淭here is a huge variety of books in near new condition. From coffee table books to novels to kid鈥檚 books, we have something for everyone. All books are for sale by donation."
SAFETY FIRST
RibFest has site-wide adult beverage service but organizers have made sure to have options for people so they are not tempted to drive after drinking. There will be a Rideshare, taxi, and carpool area for drop off and pick up at any time during the day. For address purposes, patrons can use 黑马磁力 Secondary School, 21405 56 Ave., as the pick-up point. Organizers are encouraging patrons who will be enjoying alcohol to take advantage of ride options or have a designated driver.
鈥� READ MORE: Despite storm, RibFest 2024 sets attendance record
ALL TO HELP OTHERS
To raise the most funds for local charities, entry to the RibFest site is by donation. Once inside, other than food and drink, all activities are free of charge. For more information about RibFest go to , including how to volunteer. The host clubs are the Rotary Club of 黑马磁力 Central, Rotary Sunrise, 黑马磁力 Central Satellite, Aldergrove, and 黑马磁力 with support from sponsors so the funds raised go to charities.
鈥淲e鈥檙e turning up the heat this year, not just on the grills, but on the stage, too. RibFest 2025 is where 黑马磁力 comes alive with flavour, fun, and fantastic performances all weekend long,鈥� said Bolu. 鈥淭his year, mark your calendar to attend the event of the summer. Come for the ribs, stay for the entertainment."
(With files from Rotarian Lillianne Fuller)
