Third annual Ribfest more than ribs

The third annual Ribfest begins today (Friday, Aug. 8) and runs until Sunday, Aug. 10. More than just the opportunity to taste delicious ribs from all around, this event includes many family friendly activities hosted by local businesses. Don’t miss trying out your music skills with the professional staff from Lee’s Music. Or stop by to say hello to the baby calves from Blackwell Dairy Farm. River City Gymnastics is planning on having a 50-foot tug-of-war rope, soccer zone and a princess makeover station. Also on hand will be your favourite local clowns, face painting, bouncy castles and a special performance by the Kamloops Arts Council’s Rivertown Players on Friday. Running in conjunction with Hot Nite in the City on Saturday, each Ribfest day will bring something new. For more information about both of these events see their websites at http://www.kamloopsribfest.com/index.html and http://www.hotniteinthecity.com/home.html.

Home/Less/Mess, bringing stories of homelessness out of the darkness, involves live performances running from Wednesday, Aug. 13 to Saturday, Aug. 16. This project is presented by No Straight Lines and has brought together a cast of performers who have experienced homelessness to tell their stories and inspire change. The powerful script was written by the actors in the play and tells true stories. It deals with adult subject matter and contains strong language. The proceeds from the play support the people acting in it. If you would like to make a donation, items such as new socks, gift cards and feminine hygiene products are greatly appreciated. For more information about this project http://www.nostraightlines.ca/index.html.