It's that time of year again...long lines, sticky fingers, tongues aflame with hotsauce... that's right, it's Ribfest!

What better way to enjoy the Canada Day weekend then by joining one big, juicy homage to that succulent cut of pig, the Rib? The grills start their flames on Thursday, June 30 (that's right, tomorrow) and keep 'em fired up until the festival's final belch on Sunday.

As you prepare your gut for a Homer Simpson-style binge, keep in mind that Etobicoke's Centennial park (where the festival takes place) tends to get packed with hungry people pretty quickly. If you want your share of ribs, (and who doesn't?) you probably want to arrive early. Furthermore, you better prepare to not only eat, but also elbow a few ribs along the way.

Oh, and while you're out celebrating our country and supporting its charities by getting deliciously gooey sauce all over your face, you might also like to recall Toronto's now nearly-extinct nickname: "Hog Town." The label was once due, unsurprisingly, to the large number of hog farms in the city. Now there's a tasty piece of trivia.

Image courtesy of the Rotary Club of Etobicoke