by Rhonda Massad
For three fun filled delicious days Big Brothers Big Sisters of the West Island (BBBSWI) hosted the first ever Montreal Rib Fest in Pierrefonds last weekend. More than 35,000 people came out to try slow roasted ribs from five different award winning rib vendors from as far away as Las Vegas, Alabama and Ontario.
“We do about 35 shows in the summer,” Brad from Billy Bones BBQ said in an interview. “ We slow smoke the ribs for three hours at 350 degrees once they have been hand massaged with a rub then we put on our special sauce. Pulled pork is really popular, we slow roast the pork butts overnight and pull them out in the morning add some sauce. We serve the ribs with beans and coleslaw. We sold about 5,000 pounds of ribs or 900 racks this weekend.”
Foodies were also delighted by some of the other interesting treats available such as fried Mars bars, cornbread, grill roasted corn, homemade lemonade and a whole potato cut like a spring and fried.
Inflatable children’s games were plentiful and cost $5 for a bracelet that allowed access to the children’s area for the day. A rock climbing wall challenged participants to win more than $100 if they could reach to top.
“It event was a huge success, we are very happy to have raised more than $30,000 for BBBSWI but could not have done it without the help of the city of Pierrefonds and a great team of volunteers.”
Diamond sponsors for the event included the Dilawri Auto Group and 94.7 Hits FM.
“We are very pleased that Watts Electric, a family owned residential and commercial company based in Beaconsfield, handled all the entire event behind the scenes. I am very touched by the generosity of the community,” Corso said.
BBBSWI is looking for a new home.
BBBSWI have out grown their current space on Dorval Avenue. They have called it home for more than four years and find the needs in the community are growing along with the organizations need for space.
“We hope to find a location on the West Island that we can use to further our work in the community,” Corso told The Suburban.
As Canada’s leading youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Island facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens.
More information about BBBSWI can be found at www.bbbsofwi.org