Ribfest crowds push capacity: Pandemic measures tested
The statement universally uttered at London’s Ribfest Friday was this: “It’s really nice to be out!"
The phrase wafted over the first approved outdoor event at Victoria Park since the pandemic began.
Visitors did so as the event, limited to 1,400 people, approached capacity shortly before 7 p.m.
Those heading inside expressed thrill about not only the food choices but particularly the live bands playing on the main stage.
Live music, like gatherings of any kind, had been quashed during the height of restrictions.
But at separated tables, people listened in, ate ribs and consumed beverages together.
A few even dared to dance.
People listen to live music at London, Ont.’s Ribfest on Friday, July 30, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
People listen to live music at London, Ont.’s Ribfest on Friday, July 30, 2021. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
All, once things that were taken for granted, now seemingly soaked up by those hungry for in-person interactions.
Among them one man having a hard time drawing comparisons between where we’ve been and where we are.
"Oh yeah exactly, stuck in the house for so long. It’s still a dream.”
But, in a clear sign the pandemic is far from over, the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) was conducting a vaccination clinic next to Ribfest's front door.
MLHU officials could not comment on how many people opted for a shot, but a security official suggested the number was around 80.
A vaccine clinic just outside the gates of London, Ont.'s Ribfest is seen just prior to closing for the day on Friday, July 30, 2021. The clinic is open Saturday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
A vaccine clinic just outside the gates of London, Ont.'s Ribfest is seen just prior to closing for the day on Friday, July 30, 2021. The clinic is open Saturday from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. (Sean Irvine / CTV News)
Back inside Ribfest, it was an odd sight as people passed by each other in close proximity.
Masks were generally being worn, but as in a restaurant, not while people were eating or drinking.
Ribfest Organizer Doug Hillier says he’s overwhelmed with the Friday evening crowd, calling it “up there with the best Fridays we’ve ever had.”
He suggests if the number keeps up through the long weekend, the event will turn a profit.
But as we’ve heard throughout this pandemic, money comes second to health, and even with measures in place, some remain uneasy.
To go beyond public health requirements, Ribfest organizers told CTV News London on Thursday they created a team of people whose job is to separate people who overcrowd.
Ashley McClatchey, enjoying a meal with her two children and some friends appreciates the addition.
“I think everybody is being receptive to it. We want to have a good day, staying away from each other, given social distancing.”
Ribfest runs through Monday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.