By Sheldon Spackman

Succulent Support

Red Deer Shelter Ribfest to support Women’s Emergency Shelter

Sep 12, 2019 | 10:44 AM

Five of the top rib teams from across the continent are in Red Deer this weekend for the First Annual Red Deer Shelter Ribfest.

A fundraiser for the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter (CAWES), the event promises to serve up some of the best mouth-watering BBQ smoked ribs you can sink your teeth into.

Event spokesperson Roxanne Kirton says Shelter Ribfest is a family fun and community-minded food festival.

“We have five of the best rib teams from across North America and they compete,” says Kirton. “They barbecue their beef and pork ribs, their chicken, they compete for best sauce and there’s an opportunity to sample the sauces before you make your purchases, so you can choose wisely in what type of fair you want to try for the day.”

Rib teams include Billy’s BBQ from Midland, Michigan, Buckeye BBQ from Columbus, Ohio, Texas Rangers from Motley, Texas, Pistol Pete’s from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Blazin’ BBQ from London, Ontario.

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Kirton says five other food vendors will also be on hand, offering mini donuts, ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy, lemonade, pop and water and a beer garden as well. The cash-only event will have ATMs on site.

“There’s live entertainment and the event itself is free with donation at the gate,” adds Kirton. “All of the proceeds from this event go to the Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter. We’re positioning this as our largest fundraiser that we’ll hope to hold annually and we’re just hoping that the community can come out and support us and help us out in a big way.”

Shelter Ribfest will take place at the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza in downtown Red Deer next to Central Middle School.

The event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14, as well as 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15.

“What funds from this event will go towards is strictly operational dollars for the Women’s Shelter,” explains Kirton. “Red Deer of course is such a strong supporter of all of our charitable organizations but we’re always trying to find that niche, that new thing that’s going to draw more people, more funds for our organization and we feel that the Shelter Ribfest is going to do that for us.”

Shelter Ribfest will also include a kid’s play area, on-street parking and is wheelchair accessible. Admission is free but a $2 donation at the gate is appreciated.

The event will also offer a raffle and 50/50 draw.