Wiarton Ribfest ‘Latino Dream’ takes flight in Bluewater Park

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Jorge Gonzalez stood near his grill at Wiarton Ribfest and gazed as far as the eye could see across Colpoy’s Bay.

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The ribs tasted sweet and smokey, and Gonzalez spoke with pride about making a livelihood out of barbecue. Life is good, he said.

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Foot traffic was light at mid-afternoon before the dinner rush at Wiarton Ribfest Saturday in Bluewater Park, where the event continues Sunday. A few sat eating under the pavilion in the newly licensed beer garden, and at picnic tables nearby.

The lull afforded the Venezuelan-born man, who came to Canada about 35 years ago, time to get philosophical when asked about why he chose Wiarton to set up his rib rig, which he’s brought four years now. He looked across the water and said it feels like being on vacation.

And when he takes his rig and crew of five on the ferry across to Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island, he spoke like the experience was almost magical. He pulled out his phone to show a video of the ferry ride, which he said he would put on TikTok.

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“There are a few things in this life that you cannot take for granted. And that is the good times and the life,” he said in his Spanish accent. “You can’t just surround your life around money, money, money, money, money, money. I learned that a long time ago.”

Bills must be paid “but you have to be able to enjoy what you do,” Gonzalez said.

Mala Jammeh stood smiling behind the grill and bopped to the country music playing on speakers across the park. He wore a big hat on top of his long, braided black hair and huge, reflective sunglasses. He called to people, inviting them to try the food, which included ribs, chicken, sausage and brisket.

Gonzalez employs a crew of five — a United Nations of ribbers — one remarked. They’re from the Philippines and parts of Africa. Gonzalez lives in London, Ont., where a number of ribbers are also based.

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Gonzalez spoke from behind the counter, under his towering sign which announced “Go Gonzalez BBQ,” which faced the park and waterfront. His rig was one of two in the park, along with a trailer offering burgers and fries.

His tanned arms featured prominent tattoos which he talked about. His right forearm tattoo says “Latino Dream,” while his left forearm tattoo says “Chef & Ribber For Life.” “Enjoy life as if you’re grilling,” he said. “Like, look at that brother,” he said, gesturing to his grilled ribs.

He still has sisters in Venezuela and for some, the Latino dream is to be able to send some money back home to their family, he said.

“To me, the Latino dream is making it, to something that will benefit your family somewhere. I guess it’s not just the Latino dream. You can call it Canadian dream or any dream.

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“But for the Latino people, it’s so hard when you have to deal with the immigration, language barrier, like any other culture, and have to try to make it.”

One daughter just graduated from high school and he’s proud because “all that hard labour was paid with tacos, doritos, enchiladas and ribs and everything that we do, and a can of Coke. And now she’s heading to university to study medicine because she wants to be a doctor. So I guess I’m going to be grilling for another eight years, bro.”

Gonzalez said he hopes to grow the Wiarton Ribfest so that it uses more of the park. He’d like to see local vendors join the event. The staff and South Bruce Peninsula have been helpful, he said, as has local little league baseball, which enabled the liquor licence.

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