People lining up for their barbecue at Ribfest held at O'Keefe Ranch in 2023 (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Liam Verster

Cancellation Update

Vernon Ribfest passed over in 2024 due to ‘other commitments’: organizer

May 28, 2024 | 1:23 PM

The Ribfest grillers will not be stopping in Vernon this summer as other communities have been selected as event hosts.

The Vernon Ribfest Society announced on its website in late-May that it would not hold the annual event in 2024.

In an email to Vernon Matters, the local organizer explained that the ribbers had chosen other communities to set up their grills this summer.

“We are disappointed to inform you, that the Ribbers committed to other communities for the 2024 season, without any communication with the Vernon Ribfest Society,” Elaine Gallacher, organizer of the Vernon Ribfest Society, stated in a release.

Gallacher did not respond to a request for further information on the cancellation.

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However, she did go on to say in the release that the Vernon Ribfest Society still plans to hold a talent search for up-and-coming youth bands this summer, which will see the young performers compete for prizes, mentorships, and live performance opportunities. The time and place for the talent search was still to be determined as of time of publication.

Youth bands interested in participating in the talent search are encouraged to follow the Vernon Ribfest Society for updates, or to contact the coordinator at detailsbydesign@gmail.com.