Cape Bretoners like their ribs. And, they’re expected to prove it this weekend as the third annual RibFest gets underway at Open Hearth Park from July 14-16th. Sponsored by Cape Breton’s Rotary Clubs, this year’s event is expecting more than 35,000 eager participants. Five of the most popular ribbers are returning, along with a range of local and travelling vendors that will offer some of the most unique items to savour and save. Making a return appearance are: Silver Bullet; Camp 31; Billy Bones BBQ; Crabby’s BBQ and Texas Rangers. Participants will have an opportunity to vote for the favourite chicken, ribs and BBQ sauce. There are plenty of sides available to compliment the ribs, and lots of alternatives for those wishing a different taste experience. The music, will of course, be memorable! From Privateers to Pretty Archie, the stage will feature nine Cape Breton bands and individual artists. The always lively beer tent will be centrally located among the food vendors and stage so everyone will have a chance to enjoy the carnival atmosphere. This year, as in past years, the Rotary Clubs of CBRM have chosen Hospice Palliative Care as their charity of choice. Visitors to RibFest have the chance to give a little at the gate for Hospice, if they so choose. All proceeds will be directed toward establishing a ten-bed hospice residence to meet the needs of individuals and families facing life limiting illness. The essence of Rotary Clubs is “Service above Self” with a focus on contributing to projects that make a difference in communities. Members of the Rotary Clubs of CBRM (Sunrise, Sydney, North Sydney and New Waterford) have been sharing skills, resources and time to create a memorable event and will have more than 200 volunteers on site during the three-day event. For more information and updates on RibFest, including a full list of sponsors, vendors and the musical entertainment that will be on site, please visit www.sydneyribfest.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.