Local Rotarians are gearing up to host Waterdown’s biggest party of the year: Waterdown’s Oh Canada Ribfest, which runs from June 28 to July 1 at Memorial Park.
And with just weeks to go before the event, the “big rib fest with a small-town feel” is on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team and make Ribfest bigger and better than ever.
Ribfest volunteer coordinator Ryan Bridge says they’re looking for about 400 volunteers to help run the four-day festival, which is a joint project of the Waterdown Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Flamborough AM.
“We rely on community volunteers to step up and help us on game day to make the event truly successful,” Bridge said. “And since 2010, when we first started Ribfest, we've had amazing support from our community.”
Ribfest raises thousands of dollars each year, all of which goes to local charities such as the Food For Kids program, which supports 33 children at Waterdown schools, and Rotary Garden Court, a housing community that serves low-income seniors.
Ribfest funds also support the Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre, the HOPE Centre, the Flamborough Santa Claus Parade, and many other initiatives.
“Part of our success has been because of the people in the community itself,” Bridge said. “They support our goals, and also volunteer to help us make our events a success.”
This year, Ribfest organizers hope to see more adults come out to volunteer – even if it’s for just one shift.
“The shifts run usually three to four hours, but just one shift can really make a difference and help us out,” Bridge said. “For adults, shifts are mostly in the beer tents and as Ribfest ambassadors.”
Beer tent volunteers are responsible for taking payments and serving up beverages at the four-day event.
“We’re also putting the call out for volunteers who can be Ribfest ambassadors,” Bridge said. “Ambassadors are at the gates to welcome guests and ask for a donation to Rotary. Ambassadors also give people directions around the park, and help visitors better understand all the things going on at Ribfest.”
Bridge says organizers are expecting 55,000 visitors to come through the gates this year, so every volunteer will be a vital part of the event.
“It's a community event, and the community really steps up to make it a success. We're very proud of that. And we're very happy to be part of this community,” Bridge said.
As a thank you, Ribfest volunteers receive water and snacks, a commemorative t-shirt, and other tools they might need for their roles, such as sunscreen and gloves.
Students looking to earn their high school volunteer hours are also encouraged to join in the fun.
“Student volunteers are great,” Bridge said. “They help with our recycling and assist at the gates, along with our ambassadors. And at the beginning and end of the weekend, students are also a key part of our set up and take down.”
He points out that Ribfest not only celebrates the beginning of summer, but it also brings people together – and volunteering to be part of it takes community engagement to the next level.
“It really is a chance for the community to get together,” he said of the event. “People just like to get there and see people and talk to people. It's the most social event in the community.”
He added, “We’ll consider Ribfest a success if people are happy and the whole community gets involved…remember, it just takes one shift to help our community!”
To sign up as a volunteer for Waterdown's Oh Canada Ribfest, follow this link.
