KCBIA optimistic new event will succeed Ribfest in Kamloops

Reimer also said he’s grateful for the work that the Daybreak Rotary Club has done over the past 12 editions of Ribfest, which takes over Riverside Park for three days in August.

“Really impressed and grateful for the amount of hours and the effort that goes into putting together such a great destination event each and every year,” he said. “I think as much as we’ll miss the ribs and the brisket and the corn on the cob, we’re going to miss those dollars going back into the community.”

According to the organizers, last year’s Ribfest drew in around 80,000 people who helped raise more than $60,000 for local groups and charities, while injecting some $5 million into the local economy. They also say since 2012, Ribfest has raised more than $850,000 for local charities.

The Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Club will sink its teeth into one final edition of Ribfest, Aug. 8 to 10 this year. After that, it’s anyone’s guess as to what may happen to the summer staple and what the club will choose to focus its efforts on next.

“We have so much expertise in the room, so it’s just a matter of what do we want to do,” Danica Wilkinson, with Daybreak Rotary said. “Is that a winter festival? Is that something outdoors, something with kids, families, those are are the things we really care about.”

“One of the other pieces we want to bring to the next event is zero waste. We love that Ribfest got there and we were really proud of that. The next event, we want sure we bring those really good aspects forward.”

Daybreak Rotary has also indicated that it is willing to work with groups that are interested in taking over planning and organizing Ribfest in the hopes of keeping the event going in 2026 and beyond.

“There are a lot of great minds out there and a lot of people will want to make something happen, I’m sure,” Reimer said.

by Victor Kaisar

KCBIA optimistic new event will succeed Ribfest in Kamloops

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