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
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery caught on video
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.