Best Community Event

Wood Buffalo Ribfest

Snye Point Park, 780-697-1910
Facebook: @woodbuffaloribfest

PHOTO: Michael Jesso

There’s a general stigma about Fort McMurray. However, this one doesn’t come from our outsiders. It comes from our locals. It has been said by community event planners of the past that hosting summer activities isn’t always ideal because the resident population decreases by everyone taking off elsewhere.

Well, maybe this used to be the case, but not anymore. The past summer has debunked this myth with concert sell-outs at Summer Sounds FM and packed patios and events for the Fort McMurray Food Fest. Even better, a new-to-Fort McMurray “summer” event has made its way into the city and takes YMM Magazine’s first-ever Best Community Event title.

If you checked out the Wood Buffalo Ribfest this August, you would have seen that people actually stick around on the long weekends as the Snye Point Park was full of finger-licking rib eaters. The inaugural festival was brought here by local event organizers Dennis Nephin and Laura Cote with the additional support from community entertainment icon Mike Jones.

Tagged around North America as "The Big Sticky," Ribfest is a community event that comes into cities during the summer to deliver delicious ribs in a family-friendly atmosphere. Our local event featured six of the top rib trucks that travel throughout Canada and the U.S.

With meat smoked in cherry wood and a secret signature rub, the BBQ pros delivered some of the tastiest ribs Fort McMurray has ever had. And, according to Wood Buffalo Ribfest founder Dennis Nephin, fans can look forward to the best Labour Day Weekend bash continuing for years to come with no cost to enter. Free event with live entertainment and award-winning ribs? We can all honour and agree this event is deserving of the “Best” title.

(An additional shout-out to the Fort McMurray Monarchs, Keyano Huskies and Snye Point Parkrun group who cleaned up after the event. The organizers are grateful for their efforts!)