A popular Father's Day staple in Sarnia will mark its 25th year in June.
The 2024 Sarnia Kinsmen RibFest is set to take place June 14 to 16 at Centennial Park.
The event has been a tradition in the city since before the turn of the century.
This year's edition will feature at least five ribbers (Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BAR-B-Q, Bubba Lou’s BAR, and Bibb’s Texas BBQ).
There will be 12 bands (the schedule is below), DJ Fabien Jagoo, additional food vendors, artesian, craft brewers, wine producers and the kids' fun zone.
Co-Chair Jack Struck said they usually attract over 20,000 visitors to the park over the three days.
"It's going to be a great year for us," said Struck. "I can remember when we first started back in 1999, and we've come a long way. I've been involved some place along the line since the beginning, whether it was to haul beer or put up fencing. Back then, we used to put up the fencing by driving the stakes into the ground and putting up a plastic fence around it. It's different now."
Struck said there have been many changes over the years.
"Everything from the entertainment, all the way to the ribbers," he said. "We have one of our original ribbers from 2001, Jack the Ribber. He's been with us since that time. Bibb’s Texas BBQ is a new one this year, from the states, so that will be interesting. We have lots of music and lots of fun. We'll be selling raffle tickets for a BBQ with meat and another gift basket."
Struck is thanking all of their supporters, including title sponsor Carpenter’s Local 1256 and presenting sponsor the Sarnia Construction Association.
RibFest moved to Hiawatha Horse Park from 2012 to 2016 due to soil contamination at Centennial, but returned to the waterfront in 2017.
A drive thru event was held in 2021 at Lambton College due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the years, the Kinsmen Club has successfully raised over $1.5 million, enabling them to contribute to and support over 30 charities, provide scholarships, and so much more.
In 2023 alone they donated over $62,000 to local charities, not-for-profits and to those in need.
The grounds will be open on Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until midnight, and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. Admission each day is $5.
They are still taking applications for vendors, volunteers and sponsors.
Visit www.sarniaribfest.com or check out their Facebook page for more information.
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Friday, June 14:
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Colt McLauchlin
8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. – Southwind Buoys
10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Dirt Country
Friday and Saturday DJ Fabien Jagoo will play between bands
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Saturday, June 15:
2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. - 2 Non-Blondes
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. - One Man Band
5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. - Retrospect
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - The Blue Nova
8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. - The Fealers
10:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - Chain Reaction
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Sunday, June 16:
1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. - Celtic Hillbillies
2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. - What She Said
4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Brenda's Band