Rotary Ribfest Returns

March 17, 2022

The Rotary Clubs of CBRM are now planning for this year’s Ribfest at Open Hearth Park on July 15, 16 and 17, 2022.   The event had been sidelined for two years due to Covid 19, and with restrictions now lifting, the Rotary Clubs are hopeful the event can be safely held this year.   

Ribfest Chair Darren Vallis says “this is one of Cape Breton’s most popular events.   We know folks have missed it and we are really looking forward to hosting one of the biggest and best events to date.”   

In the past more than 33,000 people have attended the family-friendly event.    Plans are underway for the vendor village, beverage tent, family fun zone, 5-k race and of course, those lip smackin’ ribs.    This year’s entertainment lineup is shaping up to be one of the best and more details will follow as we move closer to the event. 

This year’s featured charities continue to be the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund and Caleb’s Courage    Proceeds from donations provided at the gate will be given to these two charities.    In the Past, Rotary’s Ribfest has raised more than $318,000 for Hospice Cape Breton, Caleb’s Courage and the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund.   

“It is very exciting to see impactful community events, like Ribfest, happen once again,” says Paula MacNeil, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. “To-date, Ribfest has raised more than $109,000 for Caleb’s Courage and the Tom MacNeil Cancer Patient Care Fund. We are grateful to have the opportunity to be involved once again, in support of strengthening healthcare in Cape Breton.”

Rotary’s Ribfest allows the four clubs within the CBRM to support many worthwhile charities throughout the year.    The four clubs include New Waterford, North Sydney, Sydney, and Sydney Sunrise.    The planning and execution of the event requires a massive volunteer and planning effort and aligns with Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.    

“As long as public health allows, we are moving forward,” said Vallis.   We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back this year.”  

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For information, contact:

Michele McKinnon Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club 902-210-5761