Kamloops Ribfest organizers have unveiled the entertainment lineup for this summer’s festival as the event prepares for its first year under the stewardship of the Kamloops Sports Council.

The annual event, which had been operated by the Kamloops Rotary Club for years, will return to Riverside Park from August 7 to 9 with three days of live music, barbecue and family-friendly activities. While the organization behind the event has changed, festival chair Lucas Sweet says attendees can expect the same Ribfest experience they’ve come to know.

“One of the things that we want people to know is that Ribfest isn’t changing, and we’re wanting to provide the same sort of festival that people have come to know and love,” Sweet told RadioNL.

Sweet acknowledged there have been challenges involved in organizing the festival during the transition, including assembling the annual entertainment lineup.

“Trying to make sure that we have different types of music, different types of groups, and that everyone who’s coming, there’s a little bit of something for everyone,” Sweet said. “We have a great team here who have really helped us out to be able to find these amazing bands and put together a lineup that will work for the festival.”

Three Days of Entertainment

Friday’s lineup features Jeremy Kneeshaw, DJ Rando Calrission, Bunchgrass Boys, Rooster and Paisley Groove, before closing with Master of Puppets, a tribute to Metallica.

Saturday will include performances from Jeremy Gutowski, Chapter 9, Jenny & the Gents, Wild One and Saddle Up, with Eagle Eyes, an Eagles tribute band, headlining the evening.

The festival wraps up Sunday with Soundwriters, Handsome Lou, Inverse, Jon Fennel and Serious Dods, before BCO takes the stage with a tribute to Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Sweet said organizers intentionally worked to maintain the festival’s familiar atmosphere while introducing a mix of returning favourites and new acts.

Supporting Local Sports

The change in management also means a change in where proceeds from the event will go.

While Ribfest previously supported Rotary initiatives, proceeds from this year’s festival will help fund local sports organizations and KidSport Kamloops, which provides financial assistance to families whose children want to participate in sports.

“All the funds do stay here locally, helping out different sports organizations and helping get kids into sports,” Sweet said.

KidSport offers grants to eligible families to help cover registration fees and other costs associated with organized sports.

Festival Preparations Continue

Sweet says planning for the event is progressing well, with returning rib vendors already confirmed along with one new barbecue truck joining the lineup.

Family activities, beverage gardens and other festival attractions are also being finalized.

Organizers are currently seeking volunteers and are encouraging both individuals and community groups to sign up through the festival website.

Kamloops Ribfest runs August 7 to 9 at Riverside Park. Admission is free, with attendees encouraged to support performers through tips and help support local sports through their participation in the event.