Eric Masters, Operator of Billy's BBQ, is one of several vendors at the Lethbridge Rotary Ribfest 2022, being held August 19-21, 2022, in the ENMAX Centre parking lot. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Ribfest rides into Lethbridge, raising money for Ukrainian families

Aug 20, 2022 | 4:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The only thing that is better than helping those in need is when you can help those in need and enjoy a big slab of meat.

The Lethbridge Rotary Ribfest is being held this weekend, August 19-21, 2022, in the ENMAX Centre parking lot.

Barbeque aficionados from across the continent are taking part, offering Southern Albertans some of the best grilled meat around.

They, working alongside the Lethbridge Rotary Club and Lethbridge Family Services, are raising money to help out Ukrainian refugee families who have resettled or who will be resettling in the city.

Eric Masters, Operator of Billy’s BBQ, says he and his team use the motto, “peace, love, and ribs.”

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He adds that he always enjoys making the trek from Midland, Michigan to Lethbridge.

“We do this circuit every summer. Lethbridge is one of our favourite cities to come to. The people here are great,” says Masters. “Honestly, we just have joy bringing our food from the south, bringing it up here.”

As part of the BBQ circuit, Masters regularly goes to communities across Alberta, B.C., and along the U.S. west coast.

“There’s good people in every place you go,” says Masters.

He also told LNN that he was more than happy with the turnout so far at the Lethbridge Ribfest.

Among the hundreds in attendance on Saturday afternoon were George Rigaux and his family.

They have been indulging in a range of items such as ribs, beans, pulled pork, blooming onions, coleslaw, and more. The ribs, of course, are his favourite.

Rigaux loved the fact that Ribfest is also raising money for Ukrainian refugee families.

“It’s a positive thing the Rotary Club is doing, it’s nice to put money back into our community for people who are coming to our community. I’m half Ukrainian in my ancestry, so it’s nice to support [them],” says Rigaux.

The Lethbridge Ribfest also features live music, beer gardens, 50/50, and more.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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