Ribfest Cold Lake sees thousands as non-profits shine

Cold Lake was bumping this weekend with activities — Soccer Provincials, Treaty Days, Wakesurfing — and of course, the return of Ribfest.

It is estimated that in the first year of Lakeland Connect running this signature event, roughly 5000-6000 people walked through to try the four rib trucks, listen to the performances of Clayton Bellamy, Main Street Band, and Olivia Rose on Friday and Saturday, have their kids play in the Kidszone, or peruse the local vendors market.

With the help of the City, the location was changed centrally to the middle of the parking lot, to make it easier to walk through.

“I feel our first year doing it it just fantastic, largely due to the support we received,” said Lakeland Connect owner Jena Colbourne.

“Each truck has a different manager, I spoke to all of them. This was the very best event they had here, it was the best numbers, best layout, and it was a great event. He also mentioned that in Alberta we are one of only two other events that go all out like that. It was great to be hear them praise us that way, because they’d been all over Alberta all over western Canada, and they’re saying Cold Lake is one of their favourites.”

 

The event was spearheaded by Caitlyn Bush who initially expressed interest to the Western Canada Ribfest Tour in the early spring to take it over as a Lakeland Connect event.

Partnering with local non-profits, there was major giveback to these groups who helped out.

Flight Athletics used water and soft drinks donated by Culligan Water to help with thousands of fundraising dollars for their programs. Titans Boxing Club provided burly security at the beer gardens in conjunction with Watchdog Security from Cold Lake.

The Lakeland Humane Society organized a weekend 50/50 as well.

“We’re going for shelter supplies right now,” said Danielle Donovan, shelter manager about the 50/50 of $595.

 

As part of the giving back, hundreds of pounds of meat with sides were donated to the John Howard Society.

This year’s style took more after a festival appearance and there’s been lots of overwhelming feedback and plans for the future.

“We will be continuing this as long as the rib trucks want to come,” said Colbourne. “We want to grow the entertainment. We already have ideas in place for who might we be able to hire, as well as doing a family day on Sunday, which I think would be really fantastic.”

Rib judging

A panel of judges was comprised from sponsors Bluewave Energy Bonnyville, Comec, the Lakeland Humane Society booth, as well as vendors Whimsical Creations and Sherri’s Creations.

On Sunday, they each taste-tested the ribs themselves, voting for their best, presented by Lloyd Sadd Demers’ Insurance Brokers.

Of the four trucks — Billy’s BBQ, Buckeye’s BBQ, Bone Daddy’s, and Blazin’ BBQ — Bone Daddy’s came out on top for best overall.

Sponsors and Thank-Yous 

The event could not have been possible without the significant contributions of the City of Cold Lake, whose in-kind support and assistance made this year’s Ribfest special and unique.

The M.D. of Bonnyville graciously supported the Kidszone, which allowed the event to be an all-ages good time.

Bluewave Energy Bonnyville, Genmec ACL, and Fusion Pro Audio out of Lloydminster, stepped up to provide valuable sponsorship and assistance for the live entertainment.

Comec sponsored the Beer Gardens, which allowed local beers like Journey North Cidery, 4th Meridian Brewing, and liquors like Cold Lake Brewing & Distilling, and Back Home Country to be enjoyed by patrons.

Community Futures Lakeland partnered to do the Vendor Market.

Of course, organizers Caitlyn Bush and Chad Colbourne each deserve a bundle of credit for their countless hours, sweat, and coordination they put into the months of planning.

Jena Colbourne created the imaging of the event and the social media plan for the event, keeping residents engaged in the buildup.

Connectors Elijah Janvier, Christa Jelschen, Kiyah Smyl, and Candace Ducharme from Beantrees Cafe, as well Heaven and Patience Colboune all helped out, selling drink tickets, shooting video, and keeping a great presence.

 

“I want to thank the entire Connect team. This was the largest event we’ve ever planned, it was a huge undertaking and without everyone working as a team it would not have been possible. Everyone contributed, dug in and did what needed to be done to make this event a success.” – Jena Colbourne, owner Lakeland Connect