'I'm licking my lips through this mask': Ribfest returns
After more than 18 months of waiting, an annual festival at Victoria Park is underway.
Ribfest is back.
It is the first summer festival in the park since the pandemic began.
For those taking part, the sight required a double-take.
And -- this time -- not because of savoury ribs and chicken cooking on a grill.
No this year, the most remarkable sight is this site itself.
It's the first open public festival in London’s Victoria Park since the pandemic began.
Arriving at Ribfest 2021 Sadie Pridham and her mother Julie still thought it was all a post-lockdown mirage until they dug into what they came for.
“It does it really does. It is much needed,” Sadie exclaimed to CTV News London.
Julie and Sadie Pridham enjoy freshly grilled ribs at Ribfest in Victoria Park in London, Ont. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Julie and Sadie Pridham enjoy freshly grilled ribs at Ribfest in Victoria Park in London, Ont. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
But getting to this point has not been easy. The show’s organizer, Doug Hillier, pushed through while other summer festivals opted to hold off until restrictions eased.
“We’re doing this exactly the way they wanted and that took a while to do. I can laugh about it now, but man it was not a laughable situation. But now here we are and it was worth it!”
The changes include tables spread apart to ensure physically distancing and a crowd limit of 1,400 in a gated site expected to be full this weekend.
“So not just you are comfortable, but the person next to you that may be more concerned will not be inconvenienced and we all make room.”
Middlesex-London Health Unit inspectors are at Ribfest. They have a vested interest in ensuring everything goes right.
“We’re applying the COVID restrictions relative to social distancing and masking. You’ll notice a lot of the operators are changing up how they present services with plastic screens,” stated Randy Walker during his second-last day as a health inspector before retiring.
Ribber Mark Mayor at London, Ont. Ribfest in Victoria Park on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Ribber Mark Mayor at London, Ont. Ribfest in Victoria Park on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
For most ribbers, including Mark Mayor, this is the first event they’ve done since 2019 that hasn’t been drive-thru only.
“This is probably our sixth show, first one in person with all the vendors. Everyone’s been able to come out to the rig, it is great.”
But, the sight of Ribfest is most welcome by a London woman spending a rare day off with her daughter.
Annalie Cavanes, left, is seen with her daughter Karyl and Ribfest in London, Ont. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Annalie Cavanes, left, is seen with her daughter Karyl and Ribfest in London, Ont. on Thursday, July 29, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Annalie Cavanes has been on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight for 18 months.
“I work in a long-term care nursing home. It’s nice to be out and feel the fresh air and see people.”
Ribfest runs through holiday Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
WATCH LIVE Toronto police to release updated list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
Toronto police and law enforcement partners will be releasing the BOLO program’s updated list of the top 25 most wanted fugitives in Canada at a news conference on Tuesday morning.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.