(STAFF PHOTO)
Organizers hopeful for a return to a traditional Thunder Bay RibFest in 2022.
The event was in support of local community development organization Our Kids Count (OKC). and was held in a drive through format because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s amazing, all of the support with the volunteers, our sponsors and the community coming together, it means so much to Our Kids Count,” says Executive Director Jackie Knough. “We really depend on the community donations and support, and this event is huge for us.”
Knough notes while more money is raised during the traditional event, the 2021 format worked well.
“We kind of were prepared and expected the same kind of thing this year, so it was really great with a lot of cars coming through,” mentions Knough, “It was perfect because the weather this year was a little up and down with the winds and the rains, so a drive through model worked really well. We definitely raise a lot more money with our beer tents, food trucks, and everyone else out there supporting the event as well,” explains Knough. “Next year, we’re really hoping if restrictions keep lifting, we’ll be back to that full festival.”
Last year’s event brought in around $60,000 with Knough adding a final number for this year will come later this week.
“Revenue was down a little this year, we were really hopeful to make over $60,000, however with the weather, and the second year of COVID restrictions, it was a little challenging,” says Knough. “However, we are really still pleased and happy to offer support to families in the community. We’re probably around the $55,000 dollar mark, but it’s just so hard to tell until we have everything put in.”
This year’s event featured three ribbers, including Dinosaur Smokehouse, Ribs Royale, and locals Daytona’s.
