Vernon Ribfest at O'Keefe Ranch in 2023 (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

RibFest 2023 Financial Issues

Ribfest organizers reportedly not reimbursed for event at O’Keefe Ranch

Feb 25, 2025 | 1:39 PM

The organizers of Vernon Ribfest have expressed frustration with issues stemming from hosting the event in 2023.

The barbecue event was held at O’Keefe Ranch that year, and a letter from the Vernon Ribfest Society to City Council said they wanted to support the organization as it was “in dire financial need,” but that feeling was not reciprocated.

“Although O’Keefe has not disclosed publicly or to VRF it is our understanding (from a reliable resource) that approximately $15,000 was collected at the Vernon Ribfest through gate donations over the three-day festival,” the letter from the Vernon Ribfest Society said.

“O’Keefe never returned our security deposit. They said they were going to return the money shortly in an email written in July 2024 but did not follow through. We are writing this letter to request the City of Vernon to intervene.”

The Society went on to say that the City of Vernon provides O’Keefe with “tens of thousands of dollars per year,” and asked that the city return the deposit for the festival on the Ranch’s behalf.

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The deposit was $7,500, but, with interest and fees, that had added up to a total of $9,223.81.

The letter noted the Society took a personal short-term loan to cover the Vernon Ribfest shortfall, and if the money was not returned it will go on their personal mortgage.

The letter was to be delivered to Vernon City Council for information at the regular meeting Monday, Feb. 24.

Council then voted in favour of a motion to request O’Keefe Ranch bring forward its financial statements at a future date.