Jake Romphf
After their successful return to Centennial Park last summer, Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest organizers are hoping to rack up even more money for local causes.
Ribfest has added Thursday night to the lineup of entertainment running July 5-8. And six ribbers — one more than last year — will bring their sauce and smoke to Centennial Park along with dozens of vendors and an even bigger show stage.
The Kinsmen Ribfest was forced to shift to Hiawatha Horse Park while Centennial Park was remediated. Those who attended last year were enthusiastic about being back on the waterfront, said organizer Jack Struck.
“Last year was fantastic.”
Bringing in a sixth vendor to barbecue ribs should help lineups shorten, Struck said. While ribbers work hard to prep for big crowds, things can slow down when patrons buy large quantities at once. He recalled how one family last year ordered 28 full racks at one go.
Beyond the ribs, more than 20 vendors will be on hand with burgers, fries, funnel cakes, slushies and mega ice-cream cones.
And 18 bands are set to play from the largest stage yet.
“It’s going to be bigger so you’ll have a better view of what’s going on,” Struck said.
Children can meet and have photographs taken with princess characters on Saturday and superhero characters on Sunday, from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
Inflatables, a tent with seating for 400 and a Harley Davidson motorcycle draw are also in the works.
All proceeds support 28 different charities in Sarnia-Lambton.
“Serving the community’s greatest need is our motto,” said Struck. “We try to help everyone we can.”
Admission is a donation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and $5 from 6 p.m. to midnight.
On Sunday, admission is $5 from noon to 6 p.m.
THE BAND LINEUP INCLUDES:
THURSDAY, JULY 5
Roundhouse, 7:30 p.m.
Full Moon Fever (Tom Petty cover), 8:45 p.m.
Practically Hip (Tragically Hip cover), 10:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, JULY 6
Exit 31, 5:30 p.m.
Johnny Five, 6:45 p.m.
Southern Fryed, 8 p.m.
Rockridje, 9:15 p.m.
Buck 20, 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 7
Bentpath, 3 p.m.
Thumb Knuckle, 4:30 p.m.
The Gypsy Flats, 6 p.m.
Retrospect, 7:30 p.m.
Highway Jones, 9 p.m.
Chain Reaction, 10:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 8
Borderline. 12:30 p.m.
Stephanie Aiken Band, 1:45 p.m.
Lit’l Chicago, 3:00 p.m.
Freddie and the Southern Boys, 4:30 p.m.