RibFest at O'Keefe Ranch in 2023 (Liam Verster /Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

'No longer part of lineup'

Vernon RibFest cancelled for 2024

May 22, 2024 | 1:52 PM

The smell of sweet and smoky barbecue will not be filling the air in Vernon this summer, and perhaps in future years as well.

The Vernon RibFest Society said on its website the annual summer event will not be held in 2024.

“We regret to inform you that, due to circumstances beyond our control, the beloved Vernon RibFest will no longer be a part of our community’s festival lineup,” the society stated.

“We are immensely grateful for your past participation and look forward to potentially exploring new opportunities in the future.”

RibFest has been held in Vernon since 2018, with the exception of during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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It was originally held at the Vernon Recreation Complex, but in 2022 it moved to Swan Lake Market and Garden, and then to O’Keefe Ranch in 2023.

After last year’s weekend of barbecue, live entertainment and family fun, organizers told Vernon Matters that talks were underway to permanently host Ribfest at the historic Ranch, though it seems those plans didn’t come to fruition as the event will not run in Vernon this summer.

Vernon Matters reached out to the Vernon Ribfest Society for comment, but the organizers had not responded to the request by time of publication.

Though RibFest won’t be making a stop in Vernon this year, the grillers will set up in Kelowna’s City Park from July 5 to 7.

It will be the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the ribbers will fire up the grills in Kelowna.