Ribfest planned for Tillsonburg

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Ribfest is returning to Tillsonburg.

Previously, the Tillsonburg Thunder organized Tillsonburg Ribfest for several years until 2023. The hockey club didn’t continue with the event, but Jorge Gonzalez is bringing it back to the Tillsonburg Fairgrounds May 22-24.

Gonzalez, owner of Gonzalez BBQ, is organizing Tillsonburg Ribfest 2026. He is promising four different rib vendors will be at the event, plus other vendors from the community. The event will feature live music and a bar. A local band is lined up as is Black River Remedy from Windsor area.

“I’m trying to bring communities together from every nationality that we can,” he said.

Gonzalez’s intention is to make Ribfest a family event. He plans on having bouncy castles, cornhole, and will have a lemonade truck. A booth to promote the ride for suicide awareness will also be on site.

“It’s a nice weekend family event,” he said.

Gonzalez is also looking for judges for the competition between the rib booths. He described the qualifications as judges “have to be able to eat ribs and figure out which are the best ribs”. Judging is done on tenderness and flavour, as well as the sauces. There is also a people’s choice award in the competition.

Hours of the event will be Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.