A downtown Ribfest will be coming back to Warren from June 25-27, 2026.

The idea of restarting a rib competition downtown was brought up over the summer, with the idea slowly gaining steam. Randy Rossey, city codes director, said during the council’s most recent meeting that the details have been finalized.

“The other item that we talked about was the upcoming 2026 downtown Ribfest,” Rossey said during committee reports. “The Ribfest ribbers have been contacted and contract information has been sent out. Tentative dates for the Ribfest are June 25 to 27, which is a Thursday through Saturday event, with more information to come in the future on that.”

Rossey also updated the council on wayfinding kiosks that have been discussed by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force for downtown Warren.

“We will be having a meeting with the Advanced Sign Company to finalize all of that planning and setting a date in the spring,” Rossey said.

The Trail of Treats, held Oct. 4, drew a crowd to Crescent Park with families able to trick-or-treat, take part in crafts and other activities. Downtown businesses participated along the trail.

“It was well attended and business owners were pleased with the turnout,” Rossey said. “I believe the Trail of Treats had, I think Kassie (Damcott) said close to 20 to 25 participants and more than 300 people went through the trail.”

The discussion prompted Councilwoman Wendy McCain to ask if there could be an action plan of things that the Comprehensive Plan Task Force is working on that includes who’s responsible for certain actions and when those actions are likely to be completed.

Councilwoman Danielle Flasher said a similar discussion was had during a recent Council of Governments meeting.

“We then discussed the county Comprehensive Plan and the Youngsville manager has suggested that COG do an action plan similar to what Mrs. McCain had just asked about,” Flasher said. “So the COG will start working on that hopefully in the next couple of months figuring out where we as an entity kind of fit into the comprehensive plan and what projects we could maybe undertake or partner with to facilitate, which I think is a great uh step in the right direction.”