The downtown Kitchener Ribfest and Craft Beer is back in Victoria Park for its 19th anniversary.
The annual celebration of BBQ kicked off Friday, July 15 after being cancelled twice during the pandemic.
"We come here every year, but then we kind of had a pause because of COVID," said attendee Uwera Ndagije. "Then we heard that it was back and we had to come. We came together as friends too, so that was nice."
For attendee Paul Moorehead, the event is about just more than ribs and beer.
"The depression over the last two years has been incredible, and I take medication to deal with depression and anxiety, so this is a huge boost," said Moorehead. "It's a 'hello, we're okay!'"
In addition to the saucy ribs, BBQ chicken, sausage, and brisket is available. Ontario craft beer is also being featured.
On Saturday, event manager Guy Exley estimated that 23,000 people had stopped by during the day and that over 31,000 had come through since they kicked off.
"People are having a good time," said Exley. "There's a really good energy in the crowd, there's a buzz in the crowd, and people are just excited to be out and having a good time.
"We have great food obviousl with the ribs, chicken, and other options, we have great Ontario beer, we have the kids' play area, so there's really something here for everyone."
Day two of the event wrapped at 10 p.m. Saturday. The third and final day of ribfest kicked off at noon on Sunday and closed at 6 p.m.
Exley told CTV News on Sunday that total attendance for the 2022 ribfest was 44,000, compared to 35,000 in 2019.
