GROVE ROTARY RIBFEST GETS COOKING IN CENTRAL PARK
The Rotary Club of Spruce Grove is putting on a three-day BBQ rib festival in Spruce Grove's Central Park from August 13-15. The event will feature rib trucks from Gator BBQ, Prairie Smoke and Spice BBQ, and House of Q, plus local food trucks. There will be talent presentations, live bands Friday night (Brasstactics and Achilles Last Stand) and Saturday night (FlatBroke and My Dog Sam), a show and shine on Saturday, and beer gardens.
This year's title sponsor is RavenWolf Brewing Co. who will be serving a specially branded commemorative beer to signify the kickoff of what the club hopes will become Spruce Grove's premiere community celebration every summer. The Rotary Club had originally conceived of bringing the event to Spruce Grove in 2020, but the pandemic prevented the plans from going forward. Plans this year were tentative until the province announced an easing of restrictions for the summer and the club felt comfortable that vaccinations were going in the right direction to help keep attendees safe. Organizers feel that they can help bring Spruce Grove back together and reinstate vibrancy in the community with this first-of-its-kind event in the region.
Admission is free, and organizers hope to see over 10,000 people take part in the festivities over the three days. The event opens at 3 PM on Friday and 10 AM Saturday and Sunday. The activities end at 10 PM Friday and Saturday, and 9 PM on Sunday. The Spruce Grove Skate Park Society is holding BMX, skateboard, and scooter competitions in conjunction with the event on all three days. The Spruce Grove Public Library is hosting their 60th anniversary celebrations just next door, including a vendor market, indigenous cultural presentations, and a splash bucket challenge where contestants can try to get local politicians and well-known personalities wet with a pinpoint softball throw. All three events running next to each other at the same time should mean there's something for everyone throughout the weekend.
General parking is available at Brookwood, Woodhaven, and Broxton Park Schools. Some accessible parking will be available on the event site as well as a passenger drop-off and pick-up zone. While there will be seating for hundreds on site, attendees are also encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the weekend's entertainment on Central Park's grassy areas near the Lion's Log Cabin. Having the event in Central Park makes it very accessible for anyone who's out and about on foot, on their bikes, or in their cars. VIP day passes are available for those who want an upgraded experience, including tent-covered lounge seating, on-site parking, a premium private bar, and upgraded washrooms.
Money raised from the event will support the Rotary Club of Spruce Grove's community service programs and partners. The Rotary Club of Spruce Grove has served the community by constructing amenities, supporting social enterprises, and developing youth through leadership and international student exchange programs in Spruce Grove for almost 30 years
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For more information, see www.groverotaryribfest.com or email info@groverotaryribfest.com.