Photo/DAN PELTON RIBBING OUT: Traci, left, and Jaycee were among the first through the gate to sample the offerings of the Orangeville Ribfest, held Friday and Saturday at the Alder Street Recreation Centre. When it comes to events planned for summer weekends in Dufferin County, a spiteful Mother Nature often decides to rain on the parade.

Last weekend’s inaugural Orangeville Ribfest at the Alder Recreation Centre was no exception, but the frequent downpours on Saturday failed to dissuade folks showing up for the ribs and festivities.

In fact, event organizers from the Rotary Club estimate close to 10,000 people dropped by over the three days of the Ribfest.

“It was a great family time,” said John Meek of the Rotary Club.

“I counted at least five families who came back for a second day.”

Since it was the first time this event was being held, the Rotary Club didn’t know what to expect and organizers were hoping, at best, that Ribfest would be a break-even proposition the first year around.

While final figures haven’t been tallied yet, the consensus is that it exceeded expectations.

“We were very busy Friday night and for most of the day on Saturday,” said Mr. Meek. “On Sunday, we were steady all day. We haven’t finalized the figures, but the hope is that we came out with a small profit.”

The success of the event is good news for local kids. The Rotary Club will be getting together next week to begin planning next year’s Ribfest with the goal of putting the funds toward providing a splash pad in Orangeville.

It was also a successful foray for the ribbers, who take their show on the road and attend Ontario ribfests practically every weekend. When the weather gets cooler, some take their tasty treats south of the border.

In Orangeville, Pistol Pete’s of London, Ont. was recipient of the People’s Choice award for best ribs.

The ribbers were also under scrutiny from appointed judges – Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones and Orangeville Deputy Mayor Warren Maycock.

The Judge’s Choice award was won by Tennessee Fat Backs.

“We’re very thankful for the support of the community for showing up in the numbers it did,” summarized Mr. Meek, “and all our sponsors were very good to us with their contributions.

“That was very gratifying.”