Sarnia Ribfest 2014. blackburnnews.com. Photo by Jake JeffreySarnia Ribfest 2014. blackburnnews.com. Photo by Jake Jeffrey
Sarnia

Kinsmen Say Ribfest Cancellation Tough Call

The Sarnia Kinsmen Club says its was a difficult decision to cancel next month's Ribfest at Hiawatha Horse Park.

Kinsmen spokesman Gord Gark says a "tsunami" of events led to their decision.

It all began when they suddenly had to leave Centennial Park because of the contaminated soil fiasco and move to Hiawatha.

"Hiawatha is a great facility and Jim Henderson and his folks were super to us, but losing Centennial Park certainly was not a great thing to have happen to us," he says. "Also, over the last couple of years, we've had cooler weather. Certainly with an event like Ribfest, you need the warm weather for the people to come out."

The outdoor event was in danger of being cancelled last year due to a lack of major sponsors and the Thursday portion was eliminated due to lack of attendance.

Over it's 17 years, Ribfest has generated revenue for Kinsmen Club community projects including the Santa Claus parade.

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