Rib n Roll May 22, 23
Rotary Rib 'n' Roll, Brampton's popular ribfest, runs two days on May 22 and 23 at Gage Park on Friday evening from 5 to midnight and on Saturday from 12 noon to midnight.
"This is a multi-dimensional event where we have some fun with great ribs and rock and roll and we raise money for Rotary's community work and Tour for Kids, a great organization that works with children who have cancer," says event Chair Rob van Kessel.
On Saturday, teams of rollerbladers compete for the Rib n Roll Corporate Challenge Cup. It's an hour of skating around the track at Gage Park. Corporate teams are invited to raise pledges and compete and all proceeds from the roll portion of the event go to Tour for Kids. Visit www.ribnroll.com for details on how to join the corporate challenge.
"Last year Royal Bank Canada (RBC) and RBC Dominion Securities combined to raise $20,000 for Tour for Kids. We were shocked. Their commitment from every branch across the city is a spectacular demonstration of giving back to the community. We don't expect every group to raise that kind of money, but we do hope they will come out and participate," van Kessel says.
The Family Day program on Saturday is expanded this year to include even more activities for children including a climbing wall, jugglers and other buskers, jumping castles and face painters.
"Friday tends to be an adult night but Saturday is all about family."
The music lineup this year includes Edward and Harding, New Hollywood, Uptown Express, Bill Candy and Juanita Wilkins, Hidden Agenda, Tantrum with Adam Fedosoff and Saturday headliners The Carpet Frogs.
Rotary Rib 'n' Roll employs local ribbers and this year's lineup includes Jake's Boathouse, Louisiana Seafood Oyster Bar and Grill, Turtle Jack's, Crabby Joes and Executive Chef.
"We believe in supporting local business, and we get terrific support from local business as well. Key sponsors include City of Brampton, RBC Royal Bank, RBC Dominion Securities, Investors Group, Trafalgar Breweries, The Marketing PAD, The Brampton Guardian, Rogers TV, Lawrences, The Rose Theatre, Meri-Mac, Rotary Glen Wedding & Corporate Events, Accurate Accounting and CGA Accountant Ashwani Sood.
"The event is growing and while we receive support other service organizations, 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.
Rib 'n' Roll grew out of a Rotary Blade-a-thon, a rollerblading event sponsored by The Rotary Club of Brampton that started 11 years ago. It is the rollerblading component from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. at Gage Park on Saturday that supports the activities of Tour for Kids. Learn more about this organization at www.tourforkids.com
For more information visit www.ribnroll.com
If you are able to volunteer during the event please contact volunteer chair Ken Spreen.