RibFest! London, Ontario

This past Civic Holiday Long Weekend marked the 24th Annual London RibFest at Victoria Park in London, Ontario.

It is billed as the largest ribs competition in North America. The details are summed up in this promotional Rib Wars video on YouTube.

Although Burlington, Ontario claims it is the largest Ribfest in Canada, and Toronto has a Ribfest of their own hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, I suspect it is the same band of traveling professional "ribbers" going across North America to stake their claim to fame.

I have gone almost every year since moving to London and it is simply hog heaven! The aroma of smoked and grilled rib meat and BBQ sauce that permeates the hot and humid air makes my mouth water. Mmm... ribs...

The ribs can be quite pricey at ~$25 per full rack. Instead for $10, I actually prefer buying a pound of pulled pork from the ribber that wins either the Best Ribs or Best Sauce from the previous year. I always ask for extra sauce to be slathered on top... usually 6 ladles will suffice. I bring along a bag of freshly baked plain white hot dog buns, and a container of thinly sliced sweet vidalia onions, and make my own pork-on-a-bun sandwiches. Amazing!

My goal is to one day serve on the Judging Panel...

I went early one morning to check the prep work and take some photos, to avoid the crazy crowds... definitely the calm before the storm. Enjoy!



Ribber Row


Horn Dawgs


Ribs Royale- Back-to-back winners of Best Ribs and Best Sauce in 2007 and 2008



Pistol Pete's Smokehouse


The reigning champ...


Gator BBQ


Fire Island BBQ


Jack the Ribber


Texas Rangers


Boss Hog's


Kentucky Smokehouse


Stop for fresh lemonade...


City on London, Ontario