A popular Sarnia springtime tradition is celebrating a major milestone in 2024. The Sarnia Kinsmen RibFest, which has provided local residents and visitors alike with captivating live music, delectable fall-off-the bone ribs and family friendly entertainment over Father’s Day Weekend, is turning 25 this year.
Aside from bringing in renowned ribbers and high-profile musicians from across North America, showcasing the community, boosting local businesses, and providing a forum for vendors, the three-day long festival has also raised countless money which the Kinsmen have put right back into the community, supporting local charities, non-profits and individuals in need.
Last year alone the Sarnia Kinsmen donated over $62,000 to various community groups, said RibFest co-chair Jack Struck. The club has raised over $1.5 million over the years, Struck noted, which has helped the Kinsmen work towards its stated goal of ‘Serving the Community’s Greatest Needs’.
“We’ve given to all of the food banks in the city, the Boy Scouts, the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Hospice, the Kidney Foundation, the list goes on and on,” he said.
To mark their silver anniversary, this year’s Sarnia Kinsmen RibFest – which is title sponsored by the Carpenter’s Local 1256 and presenting sponsored by the Sarnia Construction Association – will be one to remember, Struck said.
“This year’s going to be bigger than ever,” he said.
For a mere $5 entry fee, rib-lovers, music fans, craft collectors and families seeking some wholesome weekend fun can come down to Centennial Park from June 14 to 16 , Father’s day weekend, to partake in the celebrations, Struck said.
Five professional rib teams have been procured for the event, including Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BAR-B-Q, Bubba Lou’s BAR and Bibb’s Texas BBQ. Twelve bands will be performing an eclectic mix of music throughout the weekend, including everyone from Lambton County’s own country music sensation Colt McLauchlin to renowned local rockers Chain Reaction. DJ Fabien Jagoo will be spinning records during all three of the festival, and attendees will have a wealth of other activities to partake in, including visiting additional food vendors, craft brewers, wine producers and artisans from home and away.
The popular kid’s fun zone will be making a return, Struck said, with inflatables and activities for children of all ages.
Festivities kick off on Friday, June 14 at 11:30 a.m. On Friday and Saturday, RibFest runs from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, while on Sunday the event goes from noon to 6 p.m.
Tourism Sarnia-Lambton’s Special Events & Sports Marketing Co-ordinator, Vicky Praill, said that the Sarnia Kinsmen RibFest has become a well-established staple of Sarnia’s springtime social calendar, bringing people into the community from far and wide.
“Ribfest is definitely a signature event, it’s a cherished tradition in our community,” she said. “Thousands of residents and visitors come each year to the event, and we are expecting another great turnout this year for the 25th anniversary.”
“This wouldn’t be possible without the Kinsmen and the dedicated group of community volunteers that come out to help every year,” Praill added. “The vendors and the sponsors are also a big part of it, and the best part of the event is that it raises much needed money for local charities and non-for-profits – while also being able to give out scholarships and invest in our parks. It’s an amazing event and most importantly the money stays local.”
The Father’s Day Weekend food-and-music festival is also a fun and affordable way to kick off the summer season, Praill said.
“There’s not many events left where you can enjoy great food, good music and family activities for only a $5 admission,” she said. “It’s an amazing event with amazing volunteers. During the day it’s full of families and couples and at night, it’s a blast for adults to come out and listen to some great bands.”
“People come from all over southwestern Ontario and Michigan, and a lot of our vendors and entertainers come from out of town as well. They all stay at local accommodations and visit local restaurants –it’s great for the community and an amazing way to showcase the best of what the Sarnia-Lambton area has to offer.”
Overall, Praill emphasized the sense of community and celebration that surrounds the event, making it a must-visit for both locals and out-of-town guests looking for a fun and memorable experience.
For more information about the 2024 Sarnia Kinsmen RibFest, or to sponsor or volunteer at the event, visit www.sarniakinfest.com or visit the Facebook page @sarniakinsmenribfest.
