Organizers of the Chatham Ribfest are planning to bring the event back to Tecumseh Park this summer.
After a two-year absence, organizers say the event will occur on "some level" this year with dates scheduled from July 7 to July 10.
"We have been working hard to put together a few plans to have the Official Ribfest return and plan to meet the pandemic guidelines at that time," said Ribfest Coordinator Chris Glassford.
Glassford said there will be some changes to this year's event, including incorporating Art in the Park and how the festival grounds will operate.
"We would love to have the event where people can walk through, enjoy the music and the vendors," said Glassford. "We're trying to push a more local aspect to the entertainment side of the event. We will be adding more local acts to the entertainment list."
The rib teams scheduled for this year are Route 55 BBQ, Brickyard BBQ, Jack the Ribber, Gonzalez BBQ, and Silver Bullet BBQ.
"We're excited to launch our new festival layout which allows guests to carry their craft beers or spirits throughout the event from ordering their ribs to checking out vendors," said Glassford.
If the event gets sidelined due to the pandemic, Glassford said organizers have two backup plans for the event. The first includes a minimized style of the event.
"The second includes a drive-thru event," said Glassford. "Last year, Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario held a wonderful drive-thru for the event. They did a great job and I believe it's something that could be replicated if push comes to shove."
More information is available by visiting the event's website.
