Final preparations are underway for the launch of this year’s Kamloops Ribfest this coming weekend.

Bryce Herman with the Kamloops Rotary says we can expect to see the set-up getting underway on Thursday at Riverside Park.

“We’ll be down there bright and early, probably at about 6am. We’ll start bringing in some of the units, we’ll start setting up tents, etcetera,” said Herman.  “Everything is going to come together and get ready so that we are ready to kick those gates open.”

This year’s event will see a large portion of Riverside Park gated off for the event, which starts on Friday.

“Virtually fencing all of the primary area around the main stage, around where the ribbers are going to be, and right up into about 50-percent of the Heritage House parking lot,” said Herman.

This is due to the festival license Rotary has obtained, which will allow drinking throughout the gated area, rather than the beer tent.

“We’ll check your bags and so-on. Then as soon as you get in, then those that are of-age are going to be given a wrist band, and you’re going to be albe to go up and get a beverage of choice. People under-age obviously can’t drink.”

While drinking will be allowed inside the fenced-off area, alcoholic beverages will not be allowed out, with Herman saying volunteers and security will be increased this year to ensure order and ensure that the new rules are being followed.