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The Rotary Club of Brampton’s popular ribfest, called Rib ‘n’ Roll, runs Friday and Saturday May 23 and 24 in Gage Park and based on last year the park will be jumping. “We have been steadily growing for three years as Bramptonians get to know we have a first class event right in the downtown core. Last year’s proceeds were down a bit from previous years but we expanded the ribfest to two days and we still raised more than $20,000 for The Canadian Cancer Society. This year we are supporting Tour for Kids an organization focused on supporting camps for children with cancer,” says event chairman Rob van Kessel. The event will be staged in Gage Park on Friday evening from 5 to 11 p.m. and on Saturday from 12 noon to 11 p.m. “We seem to be attracting two different crowds, couples and singles on Friday and families on Saturday. We want to keep Saturday as Family Day and we have geared our entertainment and park activities to families on Saturday,” van Kessel said. Music rules on both days with a new lineup this year including Marc Ekins, The Joys and Uptown Express and New Hollywood. On Saturday, there is plenty of activity for children including jumping toys, wall climbing, face painting, balloons and a special children’s entertainer. Music is continuous throughout the afternoon and evening. Rotary Rib ‘n’ Roll uses local ribbers and this year’s lineup includes Jake’s Boathouse, Louisiana, and Turtle Jack’s. “We believe in supporting local businesses and that’s why we use local ribbers, who over the years have developed a comfortable groove with this event,” says van Kessel. “We also get terrific support from local business, our key sponsors are RBC Royal Bank, Investors Group, RBC Dominion Securities, TD Canada Trust, Justine Blainey Wellness Centre, Trafalgar Breweries, The Marketing PAD, The Brampton Guardian, Frito Lay, Lawrences, Rutherford Collision, GMF Transport, CGA Accountant Ashwani Sood, and Accurate Accounting. “Chief among our sponsors is the City of Brampton and they have been tremendous supporters since we started this event 10 years ago. We can not place a value on how much the city provides in terms of their expertise and support. We would not have this event without their help,” says van Kessel. “These sponsorships allow us to raise money for our community and we are extremely grateful for their support.” Rib ‘n’ Roll grew out of a Blade-a-thon, an annual rollerblading event sponsored by The Rotary Club of Brampton that started in 1998. “Rollerblading is still and important component of this event. “We have challenged all the banks, as well as the police and fire department to develop teams of skaters, and raise pledges for Tour for Kids, a fabulous organization that supports children with cancer. We hope they will take up this challenge and come and compete for top donor on Saturday between 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.” “We invite anyone to raise pledges - from neighbours, friends and business associates – and come and skate at Gage Park.” Pledge sheets are available online at www.ribnroll.com. “The event is growing and we are getting help from other service organizations but we are always looking for volunteers. It’s a great opportunity for students who need volunteer time. Information is available on our website on how to get involved,” says van Kessel. |
