Over the last few years, home businesses have really taken off in the world and in Fort McMurray. That’s why we knew when we added a Best Home Business category, we would get a wave of nominations. We received 132 suggestions of businesses including several we had never heard of before! One we had certainly heard about was All Things Charcuterie. Many people while stuck at home decided to treat themselves to a box and the business grew during the pandemic. But now that things are opening up and people are entertaining again, the demand has never been higher for owner Melanie Higdon. In fact, their Mother’s Day weekend was booked out nearly a month in advance. Whether you like it salty, sweet, or nourishing – they’ve likely got the treats to make you happy and trust us it will look amazing! Ashley Murphy, Divisional Sales Manager with Staples says All Things Charcuterie is her go-to for meetings, parties, and date nights! In fact, they bailed her out when she left her anniversary celebrations to the last minute!

“They have a lot of great options! Good for a date night in or feeding a large group of people at an event,” explains Murphy.

“Super- fast turnaround time and she is so amazing to deal with!

It became clear to Paddy McSwiggins owners Trish Van Der Haegen & Gareth Norris pretty early on that a Trivia Night would fit right in with an Irish Pub theme. Of course, first, they had to focus on getting the pub back open and running again and finally re-opened in the summer of 2019. Then, just as they were getting their feet under them, COVID hit. As soon as restrictions started to allow some events again, a call was placed to one Mike Jones. It just so happens that the timing worked out nicely as Mike found himself with some spare time on his hands, having just left the world of radio for the Canadian Mental Health Association. And thus, Trivia Tuesdays were launched. Less than a year later, the night has grown from a modest beginning of three or four regular teams to closer to 10 regular teams every week, plus lots of curious on-lookers who join the fray.

“I try to make Trivia night accessible to everyone with questions on history, geography, sports, entertainment, and everything under the sun,” says host Mike Jones. “But at the same time, there are some really smart teams that come out – so I have to come up with some challenging questions to keep them on their toes.”

Proceeds from the Trivia Night, which happens every Tuesday at 7:30 are donated to the CMHA Wood Buffalo. Bartender Carrie Yake says, “Watch out for trick questions. Mike always likes to throw a few curveballs.”

Unless you’re Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews, a hat trick is far from an easy accomplishment. Well, Wood Buffalo Ribfest has officially pulled it off being named Best Community Event for the third straight year (re-named Best Socially Distanced Event in 2021).

Many wondered if the team could live up to the hype of the debut installment which saw 7,000 people hit the banks of the Snye to enjoy Wintersleep and Trooper. Well, they sure delivered this year bringing Gord Bamford on Saturday night. The real highlight was Sunday night though as Brand Connect (the team behind Ribfest) teamed up with Trevor Arseneault and Arsenal FX to bring the legendary Back to the 80s Party outdoors with the Battle of the Bands being one of the true highlights of the summer! Adding in Platinum selling Canadian rockers Honeymoon Suite send fans home happy, hungover, and of course well-fed thanks to the half dozen trucks that tour across Canada and every year call Fort McMurray one of their most successful, and most fun events!

Ask anyone in town who their favourite Rib Truck is and you’re likely to get a handful of different answers. For Joe Rebel drummer Tyson Coombs, the answer is clear “Pistol Pete’s. Hands Down.” Organizer Dennis Nephin says plans are underway for TWO RibFest’s again this year, with the first occurring June 24 – 26 in a drive thru environment at Centrefire Place but says to keep an eye on their social media for details on a venue for Labour Day Weekend as The Snye is set to be under construction for most of 2022.

Dan Tulk is feeling the love again. Last year, Dan and his events picked up several virtual events categories. This year, in addition to winning Best in Education for the second year in a row, Dan also scooped up the brand new Best Local Musician or Band award.