The first-ever internationally sanctioned barbeque competition to be held in Ontario takes at Cedar Run Horse Park place near Thornbury from July 8 – 10.
The Blue Mountains Chili Ribfest, which is the brainchild of Stephen Perrin, will be held with rules and regulations established by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts.
Perrin, who owns three restaurants including Rusty's at Blue, a popular barbeque eatery located at Blue Mountain, has competed in barbeque competitions from Ontario to Texas, and after winning the Blue Mountains Chili Cook-off competition two years ago thought it would be a good idea to expand the chili festival to include a barbeque rib festival.
In an interview with The Independent Perrin said that he is expecting a very large turnout for this event.
“We are expecting more than 10,000 people,” said Perrin adding that depending on the weather they could see many more over the course of the weekend. Several similar festivals south of the border draw crowds of up to 50,000.
Admission on Friday and Sunday is free, however there is a $5 admission charge on Saturday. On site parking will cost $10, or you can park for free at the Georgian Peaks and the Village at Blue. There will be a shuttle service running from these areas every half hour.
In addition to the chili and barbeque competitions Perrin says that the event will have something for everyone.
There will be musical entertainment all weekend long including two major concerts. On Friday Juno award winning Fathead Blues Band will perform, and on Saturday Canadian rock icons Trooper will take the stage.
Both concerts are paid admission, and those who attend must be 19 or older. Tickets for Fathead Blues Band cost $20 while tickets for Trooper cost $30.
A midway with some 40 rides, carnival games, hot air balloon rides provided by Remax, a wide range of food vendors, and even performances by the Presidents Choice Super Dogs, will ensure that there will never be a lull in the activity over the course of the weekend.
After the chili competition Saturday there will be taster kits available at a cost of $10.00 which will allow you to taste the competition chili and submit your vote for people’s choice award.
On Sunday after the whole hog competition there will be a whole hog feast with a buffet of salads from 2pm – 4pm, tickets for this will be $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12-15 years old and $7 12 years old and under.
Perrin told The Independent that he is hoping the event will be a huge success, and he says that he has plans to tour the festival across Canada next year.
