Building on the success of the rebirth of RibFest last summer at North Bay's waterfront, organizers have rebranded the event and promise to come back July 13–16 bigger and better.
Now known as Shake the Lake and located in the heart of the marina, BBQ lovers needn't worry, ribs are still a main attraction at this year's festival, which is supported by the management and staff of The Boat North Bay and benefits the North Bay Food Bank. Last year, over $11,000 was raised.
Last year's event attracted 5,000 to the waterfront under sunny skies.
Festival goers will have access to four major ribbers, including Route 55, Jack the Ribber, The Crazy Canuck, and new ribber BBQ Junkies; vendor booths; cold drinks; and, helicopter rides.
Admission to Shake the Lake is free for children under the age of 12. The highly successful Kids Zone is back this summer and better than ever, organizers say.
The Kids Zone includes face painting, a bouncy castle, a rock climbing wall, magic shows, music shows, and reptile camp shows.
Headliners and various local musicians will hit the Kiwanis Bandshell stage to provide entertainment.
Friday, July 14 — Shake, Rattle and Roll Ribs
- 7:30 p.m. Zack Mason Band
- 8:15 p.m. Jesse Thomas Band
- 9:30 p.m. Hotel California
Saturday, July 15 — Rock the Dock Ribs
- 8:30 p.m. Keep the Faith (Bon Jovi tribute band)
- 10 p.m. Hells Bells (AC/DC tribute band)
Sunday, July 16
- All local musical entertainment
- Light the Lake fireworks finale at dusk
The Boat's Steve Bitonti says the goal in rekindling this local favourite event has always been to offer an all-inclusive weekend of food, entertainment and activities that people value.
Following the event's success in 2022, Bitonti said, “The entertainment was just as important as the ribs and both had their rewards. People packed the place for the nighttime entertainment, and people also packed the place to come eat ribs.”
He added, “What else can you ask for when Lake Nipissing is your backdrop? All we did was add our own ideas to something that the city has put a lot of effort into creating and we’re happy to be a part of that for one weekend.”
Wristbands are on sale now at The Boat, $15 in advance for the weekend with $10 day passes also available. Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m., no wristbands are required but donations for the North Bay Food Band are encouraged.
For more on Shake the Lake, click here.
