Kamloops Sports Council to Carry Forward Kamloops Ribfest in 2026
Community, Kamloops, Tourism
The Kamloops Sports Council is thrilled to announce that it will carry forward Kamloops Ribfest in 2026, ensuring the continuation of one of the community’s most cherished summer traditions.
For the past 13 years, the Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak has successfully organized Kamloops Ribfest, raising more than $850,000 in support of local community initiatives. Their dedication and leadership have created a lasting and meaningful impact throughout Kamloops.
Like many in the community, the Kamloops Sports Council is committed to seeing Ribfest continue to bring people together while supporting local causes. To deliver the event, the Council will partner with local sport organizations and clubs, which will contribute in a variety of ways including planning, setup, logistics, and event operations.
Executive Director Duncan Olthuis says the event will closely resemble previous editions of Kamloops Ribfest. “The festival will continue to feature a large beverage garden, five ribbers, live entertainment all weekend long, and, of course, a free family fun zone.”
Rotarian and previous event chair of ten years, Danica Wilkinson, says the transition of Ribfest from Rotary organizers to Kamloops Sports Council will be best for the greater good of the community. “As Rotarians, we are proud of the event we built in Kamloops, and are pleased to see it is still here to raise funds for the community and be a important summer economic driver.”
All proceeds from Kamloops Ribfest will remain in the local community and be reinvested into sport. Funds raised will support local sport organizations and programs, including KidSport Kamloops (https://kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/kamloops/), as well as other community-based sport groups that help create accessible, inclusive, and sustainable sport opportunities across the city.
“The impact of Kamloops Daybreak Rotary’s work through Ribfest is nothing short of extraordinary,” says Jan Antons, President of the Kamloops Sports Council. “We are privileged to carry this torch forward and look forward to honouring this legacy by turning a beloved community staple into lasting opportunities for our local sport organizations.”
The Kamloops Sports Council looks forward to building on the strong foundation already established and working collaboratively to ensure Kamloops Ribfest continues to thrive for many years to come.
