While 2025 is the final year for Daybreak Rotary’s involvement, there are hopes it might continue
After thirteen years of dedication, the Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak will present Ribfest for the final time this month. Since its start back in 2012, Ribfest has grown into a signature community event, drawing tens of thousands of visitors, feeding families, and reinvesting every dollar raised into many local initiatives.
With over $45 million in economic impact generated since its start, Ribfest has made a lasting contribution to Kamloops.
But just because Daybreak is stepping down, it may not mean the end for this local favourite event. The hope is that Ribfest will remain a staple in Kamloops for years to come, with new life, energy, and champions at the helm.
“It’s a little bittersweet, but there is another organization looking at taking it over, which is amazing for the city of Kamloops,” said Ribfest chair Danica Wilkinson. She reflected fondly on the memories that have been made over the years.
Ribfest is much more than just the amazing, award-winning food that the competitors cook up for prizes and the public.
The Home Hardware Family Fun Zone — a longtime festival favorite — will return this year, with all activities remaining completely free for attendees. It reflects one of Ribfest’s core values: creating accessible, family-friendly experiences for the entire community.
And of course there’s the food. Teams will once again bring their best to the grill. Boss Hog’s, Gator BBQ, Grizzly BBQ, Prairie Smoke and Spice, and Smoke Dem Bones BBQ will be competing for trophies and titles, including Best Ribs, Best Sauce, and the coveted People’s Choice award.
And while the competitors win awards, the real winner here in Kamloops has been the community. “The objective has always been to be a conduit for the public good. Every dollar that we get goes back to the community,” said Bryce Herman, long-time organizer, spokesperson, and entertainment coordinator.
While the festival continues to be a success, organizing it has become increasingly demanding. “As organizers of Ribfest, it is a very small core team; there are three of us who do the lion’s share of the work with a coordinator,” said Herman.
Three years ago, the club voted overwhelmingly to continue planning the event in multi-year blocks. This year, a secret ballot indicated a shift. “We did a secret ballot. Everyone filled out a form, yes or no; those who could not be there could send an anonymous email. Out of that, we got a 40 percent support. Sixty percent either didn’t vote, were not sure, or were a no,” said Herman. “It’s time to maybe think of something different.”
Still, this year’s event promises to honor the Ribfest legacy with the same energy, commitment, and passion that it has always brought to the table. “I think the big thing is that the majority of what we have going on will be somewhat familiar,” Herman noted.
The entertainment lineup includes primarily local and regional acts, with a few tribute bands from Alberta and Kelowna. “We’ve got excellent local talent. They get up on stage and work for a fraction of what they could garner. They, too, are raising funds. We try to pay them. We give honorariums to everyone, and often they will give that back to Rotary,” Herman explained. “I am hopeful that the momentum of that will stay strong moving forward.”
To celebrate the years of effort behind the scenes, a post-festival appreciation event is being planned. “We’re working very hard to make sure we don’t offend anyone,” Herman laughed. “Try to make sure we get all the key stakeholders. We KNOW we will forget some people. We are working on it with everyone in the club.”
Ribfest is certainly something that deserves some appreciation. Through storms, wildfire smoke, and sweltering heat, Ribfest has remained a dependable and much-loved event. “It is the one day or the one weekend in the year when I see old friends. My schedule is so chaotic, but I see them at Ribfest,” said Herman.
As Kamloops prepares to gather once more for ribs, music, and memories, the spirit of community behind Ribfest remains as strong as ever.