The 2022 Kamloops RibFest (Photo via Victor Kaisar)
A major change coming to this year’s Ribfest celebration put on by the Kamloops Rotary.
Unlike previous years, where people were sequestered into a confined area, this year — people who want to drink at the event — are not going to locked into the beer garden.
Rotary spokesperson Bryce Herman says they’ve obtained a liquor license for the Ribfest area.
“We’ve been working on trying to license the entire area around the bandshell area, where the rivers are, and right up into the parking lot behind what’s referred to as Heritage House.”
This means the Park will be fenced off, with access and egress points monitored.
Herman says the area will be able to accommodate around 15-thousand people.
“That will be the largest beer garden, or beverage garden, that has been allowed within the city,” noted Herman.
Drinks will be served in recyclable cups and will be able to be purchased in select areas in the zone.
Aerial shot of 2020 Ribfest event in Riverside Park
The Kamloops Rotary will maintain the exclusive rights to sell the drinks, with the Ribfest vendors unable to provide alcoholic beverages.
Children will still be allowed into that area, with Herman saying Rotary wants to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere for the event.
“If you come down with your kids and your kids are having a water or a soft drink, and you decide you want to have your favorite beverage, you’re able to do that,” says Herman. “You can walk around, you can look at the activities, you can participate.”
The Family Fun Zone will be off-limits to alcohol.
This year’s Ribfest will take place August 11th to the 13th.
