The Sarnia Kinsmen Rib Festival is an Annual Event
2013 was the 16th annual Sarnia Kinsmen festival held in Sarnia, Canada. The Sarnia Rib Fest is a great festival with amazing ribbers, great music, and lot of vendors. Between 2012-2016 the Kinsmen weren't able to hold a Ribfest in Centennial Park when soil in the park was found to be contaminated. The festival had to move to the Hiawatha Horse Park. But in 2017 the Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest returned to Centennial Park making the event a particularly special one.
For a number of years this was the annual Sarnia Kinsmen festival's website .
Content is from the site's 2002- 2014 archived pages for a nostalgic look back. Other outside sources referencing the festival are included.
Check out the current website for the Sarnia Kinsmen Club for the most up to date info about the next Sarnia Ribfest: www.sarniakinsmen.ca/sarnia-ribfest<
Banner from the 2002 & 2003 festival years.
FREE NO ADMISSION ALL WEEKEND
|
Centennial Park - Sarnia - Ontario - Canada
|
|||||||||||||||
|
fun - family - food - music - carnival
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
People may even travel from all over North America to attend this year’s event. As former defensive handler Benjamin Pred would always say, “After a frisbee tournament, nothing is better than chowing down on a big bucket of ribs.” Nowadays, Pred is a pescatarian, but his wife and son are self-proclaimed rib afficionados, and even this vegetarian is willing to travel all over Canada in search of the perfect ribs to satisfy his hungry family. He couldn’t wait to plan a road trip for the summer just to check out this Ribfest.
The Sarnia Kinsmen Festival will be held July 7-9, 2017 at Centennial Park Again
By Carl Hnatyshyn / www.theobserver.ca
Published on: July 5, 2017 |
The Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest returns to Centennial Park this week, and event co-chair Jack Struck says it has the potential to be among the most successful after the festival took a hiatus last year.
“We’re really excited about this year’s lineup, this year’s vendors and of course this year’s ribbers,” said Struck. “We’re going to have five ribbers, we’re up to about 15 or 16 vendors who are selling everything from clothing to food as well as information sites, and we have ten bands performing throughout the weekend, from hard rock to country music. You’ll have a little bit of everything in terms of music.”
The Kinsmen haven’t been able to hold a Ribfest in Centennial Park since 2012, when soil in the park was found to be contaminated. But recently completed remediation work has made the festival’s return possible, making this year’s event a particularly special one, Struck said.
“It’s different in the sense that we’re coming home,” he said. “We’re coming back to where it all started back in 1999. And reaction in the community has been absolutely fantastic. On our Facebook page alone, we’re into the thousands of hits. It’s unbelievable. Everywhere I go people are asking questions about what’s going on and what’s happening.”
Along with five ribbers coming in from as far away as St. Catharines (local rib heroes Smokin’ Joes will represent Sarnia) and the large cluster of commercial vendors, the festival will also feature a family tent for sit-down rib consumption, inflatables for the kids, as well as music ranging from the rockin’ sounds of Rob Sharp & Lit’l Chicago to the country-tinged tunes of Scott Manery & The Barnburners to the indie sounds of The Gypsy Flats.
Organizers were blown away by both the positive reaction throughout the community and the reaction amongst past ribbers and vendors, some of whom they had to turn away from this year’s festival, Struck said.
“Within everybody in the realm of the Ribfest circle, we’ve had at least 10 other ribbers wanting to come,” he said.
Struck said he hopes the community realizes how important the fundraiser is to the local charities that benefit from the money that Ribfest brings in.
“I hope people come out because all the proceeds go to the community’s greatest needs. That’s the Kinsmen motto,” he said, noting that the all-Canadian service club gives to organizations such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Santa Claus and Canada Day Parades, Noelle’s Gift, the Salvation Army and Celebration of Lights festival, to name only a few.
“Everything goes right back into the community.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest
WHEN: July 7, 8, 9
WHERE: Sarnia’s Centennial Park, London Road and Front Street
COST: Donations from noon until 6 p.m., after 6 p.m. $5 for those 16 and older, children free
BAND LINEUP
Friday, July 7
• 7-8:30 p.m. – Rob Sharp & Lit’l Chicago
• 8:45-10:15 p.m. – Scott Manery & The Barnburners
• 10:30-midnight – Jabrito
Saturday, July 8
• 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Gypsy Flats
• 7-8:30 p.m. – Roundhouse
• 8:45-10:15 p.m. – Retrospect
• 10:30-midnight – Chain Reaction
Sunday, July 9
• 1-2:15 p.m. Stephanie Aiken & Company
• 2:30-3:45 p.m. – Jeff Black & Daryl
• 4-5:30 p.m. – Mark Blayney
16th Annual Sarnia Kinsmen Festival Runs June 12-15, 2014
By Tyler Kula / www.theobserver.ca
Published on: June 11, 2014
Being a ribfest griller may not be the most glamorous job in the world.
Crazy heat, smoke burning the eyes, getting up at 4 a.m. for prep and leaving the park that night at 11 all come with the territory.
But don’t tell that to the ribbers.
“They never want to take a break,” said Gus Kategiannis. “They enjoy it.”
The wood-grilling barbecue artists may be sporting bandanas and sunglasses to guard against the inevitable sand-in-the-eyes feeling by night’s end, but it’s all worth it, he said.
And not just for the satisfied look on the faces of people dining on their succulent offerings.
“You meet all walks of life and the experience is amazing,” he said.
Kategiannis, 38 — a Zorra Township native — and some of his family from North Carolina are behind the newcomer at this year’s Sarnia Ribfest, The Chop Shop.
The four-year-old travelling rib joint is participating for the first time at the 16th annual Sarnia festival that last year brought in 20,000 people over four days.
The Chop Shop is looking to end Kentucky Smokehouse’s four-year streak of people’s choice and overall champion award wins, staking it’s claim with a sweeter sauce that packs some heat and works well with the dry rub that’s basted on, Kategiannis said.
He didn’t reveal exactly what was in the sauce, but said it’s thick, it caramelizes and it doesn’t include ketchup.
“They use a lot of ketchup in North Carolina,” he said, noting locals there even put the ubiquitous condiment in coleslaw.
“I don’t think anybody here likes that, so you don’t want to do that..”
It’s about making the barbecue sauce stand out from others, he said.
Pork shoulders are slow-cooked for 14 hours and smoked.
“Hopefully people can come and try something different,” he said.
All seven of the rib vendors at the annual music and meat festival were prepping Wednesday for the Thursday to Sunday extravaganza — this year including 18 bands, a massive midway, all sorts of vendors, and the food.
With major sponsor H.C. Stark Canada Inc., the Sarnia Kinsmen-organized event was also offering something a little extra for the dads this year — a chance to check out everything from hot rods, to new cars and farm equipment in a Big Toys for Big Boys attraction.
“Something dad can wander around and have a look at while he sends mom and the kids over to the midway,” said Sarnia Ribfest founder Dave Johnston.
Lining up the festival with Father’s Day weekend, how it’s been for three years, is a good fit, he said.
“Lots of times nobody knows what to get dad,” he said. “I’m a dad and I don’t need another tie, so bring me down here buy me a plate of ribs and a couple of beers and I’ll be a happy guy.”
— —
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Sarnia Kinsmen 16th Annual Ribfest
WHEN: June 12-15
WHERE: Hiawatha Horse Park
FEATURES: Seven ribbers, 18 bands, Rise to Fame talent contest, Big Toys for Big Boys, midway, vendors, courtesy shuttle buses.
ADMISSION: Free; donations accepted for the Sarnia Kinsmen.
2014 Sarnia Rib Fest
Thursday(music starts at 5:15pm)
Friday(music starts at 4:30pm)
|
Saturday(Music starts at 3:15pm)
|
Sunday(music starts at 1pm)
|
|
Rise To Fame Talent Contest - Saturday(Junior 10am, Youth 11:30am)All Weekend Long
World's Finest Shows & Big Toys for Big Boys
Join the Fun!
The lip-smacking, mouth-watering event of the summer! Thursday, June 12 to Sunday, June 15, 2014. This year, Rib Teams compete for the title of champion, serving tons of barbequed splendor. There's no admission charge all weekend! Any donations or proceeds go to the Sarnia Kinsmen.
2013 Sarnia Rib Fest
Thursday(music starts at 6pm)
Friday(music starts at 4:30pm)
|
Saturday(Music starts at 4:30pm)
|
Sunday(music starts at 1pm)
|
Rise To Fame Talent Contest (Junior 10am, Youth 12pm) |
||
All Weekend! Exotic Critters and World's Finest Shows |
||
Free Shuttle Rides!
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, June 13-15
Leaving Murphy R. Terminal
Leaving Hiawatha
4:30pm 4:45pm 5:00 5:15 5:30 5:45 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 9:00 9:15 9:30 9:45 10:00 10:15 Last bus frm Hiawatha
Join the Fun!
The lip-smacking, mouth-watering event of the summer! Thursday, June 13 to Sunday, June 16, 2013. This year, Rib Teams compete for the title of champion, serving tons of barbequed splendor. There's no admission charge all weekend! Any donations or proceeds go to the Sarnia Kinsmen.
2011 Sarnia Rib Fest
ThursdayEVENING
FridayEVENING
|
Saturday
|
SundaySTARTING AT NOON
|
All Weekend! The Amazing Fernandez and Exotic Critters |
||
Join the Fun!
The lip-smacking, mouth-watering event of the summer! Thursday, June 16 to Sunday, June 19, 2011. This year, Rib Teams compete for the title of champion, serving tons of barbequed splendor. There's no admission charge all weekend! Any donations or proceeds go to the Sarnia Kinsmen.
More Background On SarniaRibFest.com
SarniaRibFest.com stands as a digital reflection of one of Ontario’s most spirited community gatherings — the Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest. The website documents the history, culture, and excitement surrounding an event that brings together food lovers, music fans, families, and volunteers for a weekend of barbecue excellence and community support.
The Ribfest has evolved from a modest local fundraiser into a celebrated regional festival that attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. With roots deeply tied to the Kinsmen Club of Sarnia, it serves not only as a culinary showcase but also as a cornerstone of charitable giving and civic engagement in Southwestern Ontario.
Ownership and Organization
SarniaRibFest.com represents the online presence of the Kinsmen Club of Sarnia, a proud chapter of Kin Canada, one of the country’s oldest and most active volunteer service organizations. The Kinsmen are well known across Canada for their commitment to “serving the community’s greatest needs,” a motto that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Ribfest.
The festival is organized, staffed, and promoted by volunteers. Every rib sold, every band booked, and every donation made ultimately supports the Sarnia community. Proceeds from Ribfest have gone toward a range of local causes — from youth programs and hospitals to organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Celebration of Lights, and Noelle’s Gift. Over the years, the Ribfest has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, channeling the fun of a summer weekend into tangible improvements in local life.
Location and Venue
The festival’s home is Centennial Park, a scenic green space located along Sarnia’s waterfront on the St. Clair River. The park’s proximity to downtown and its sweeping views of Michigan across the water make it a natural gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Between 2012 and 2016, environmental remediation work forced the Kinsmen to temporarily relocate the event to the Hiawatha Horse Park, another well-known Sarnia venue. Although Hiawatha offered ample room for vendors and parking, locals always associated Ribfest with Centennial Park’s festive waterfront energy. When the event returned “home” in 2017, it marked a symbolic moment of renewal — both for the festival and for the community.
Each summer since, Centennial Park has transformed into a lively carnival of aromas, music, and laughter. The layout typically includes rows of professional ribbers, beverage tents, a live music stage, children’s attractions, a family seating tent, and dozens of craft vendors lining the walkways. The experience is designed to be immersive: one part smoky barbecue heaven, one part family fair, and one part open-air concert.
History and Growth
The Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest traces its origins to the late 1990s. What began as a small-scale community cookout quickly expanded as word spread about the quality of the food and the event’s friendly, down-home atmosphere. By the early 2000s, it had become an annual tradition.
The archived content on SarniaRibFest.com preserves festival schedules, band lineups, and promotional material from the 2002–2014 era. Those years read like a time capsule of Sarnia summers: tributes to classic rock bands like AC/DC and Aerosmith, youth talent searches sponsored by local radio stations, and enthusiastic announcements promising “fun, family, food, music, carnival — all weekend, free admission!”
By 2014, the Ribfest drew more than 20,000 attendees over four days. Each year, top ribbers competed for trophies and bragging rights — with favorites such as Kentucky Smokehouse, Smokin’ Joes, and The Chop Shop becoming local legends. The competitive spirit was matched by camaraderie: visitors voted on “People’s Choice” awards while savoring thick, caramelized sauces that defined regional barbecue pride.
The festival’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2024 underscored its staying power. For a quarter-century, the Sarnia Kinsmen had used food and music to bring their city together — even weathering relocations, public-health restrictions, and logistical hurdles. Its endurance is testament to both the dedication of volunteers and the appetite of Sarnia’s residents for community-driven events that blend entertainment and service.
Programming and Features
The Ribbers and Their Craft
At the heart of Ribfest are the professional barbecue teams known affectionately as “ribbers.” Many travel the Canadian festival circuit each summer, competing for titles like Best Ribs, Best Sauce, and People’s Choice. They bring portable smokers, secret family recipes, and years of experience in the art of low-and-slow cooking.
Festivalgoers line up for ribs glazed in sweet, smoky, spicy sauces — each ribber boasting its own blend of rubs and wood-smoked flavor. Whether it’s Texas Jack’s tangy glaze or Boss Hog’s maple-infused sauce, the diversity of barbecue styles reflects both Canadian and southern U.S. influences. Visitors are encouraged to sample from multiple ribbers before casting their votes for the winners.
The Music
The Ribfest stage has long been a major draw. Past lineups have featured tributes to classic rock icons, up-and-coming local acts, and family-friendly performers. Bands like Rob Sharp & Lit’l Chicago, Scott Manery & The Barnburners, and The Gypsy Flats have entertained thousands with energetic sets that stretch from afternoon into midnight.
Each night typically concludes with crowd-pleasing rock anthems, while daytime acts provide a relaxed backdrop for families picnicking near the waterfront. The range — from hard rock to country to blues — ensures that every age group finds something to enjoy.
The Vendors and Attractions
Beyond ribs, the festival hosts an eclectic mix of vendors. There are artisans selling handmade jewelry and crafts, local food trucks offering poutine, corn, and desserts, and beverage stations pouring local beer and wine. A “Big Toys for Big Boys” exhibit has even featured displays of hot rods, motorcycles, and farm equipment, giving dads something to admire while kids explore the midway.
For children, the festival provides bounce houses, games, and face-painting stations, all supervised in a safe family zone. The emphasis on inclusivity and affordability — with low admission costs and free access for children — reinforces the community-first philosophy behind the event.
Popularity and Attendance
Few events in Sarnia command the same loyal following. Attendance estimates hover between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors over the weekend, depending on weather and competing events. The audience represents a cross-section of the region: families from Lambton County, road-tripping barbecue aficionados, and tourists from across the Ontario-Michigan border.
The festival’s popularity is enhanced by its timing on Father’s Day weekend, turning it into a ready-made family outing. For many locals, the question each June isn’t whether to attend Ribfest — it’s which day to go and which ribber to try first.
Economic and Charitable Impact
The Kinsmen Club’s Ribfest has become a vital contributor to Sarnia’s nonprofit ecosystem. Proceeds from the event are directed toward community initiatives that align with the club’s charitable mission. Beneficiaries over the years have included youth programs, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, food drives, and public holiday celebrations.
Estimates suggest that over a million dollars has been raised for local causes since the event’s inception. The festival also drives economic activity by supporting local suppliers, hiring regional performers, and drawing tourists who spend on lodging, dining, and retail.
In this sense, Sarnia’s Ribfest is not only an annual celebration of barbecue but also a meaningful engine for community development.
Reviews and Public Reception
Public sentiment toward the Ribfest is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors often describe it as “the best-smelling weekend of the year” and a “can’t-miss community tradition.” Local newspapers regularly highlight its blend of entertainment and philanthropy.
Vendors praise the Kinsmen for their organization and hospitality, while residents appreciate the sense of unity the event brings. Even during years of relocation or pandemic-era hiatuses, anticipation for the festival’s return has remained high. The combination of excellent food, scenic location, and charitable mission has secured Ribfest a permanent place in Sarnia’s cultural calendar.
Media Coverage and Community Profile
Local media outlets, including The Sarnia Observer, The Sarnia Journal, and regional radio stations, have covered the event extensively over the years. Reports frequently emphasize the excitement surrounding the rib competitions, the diversity of music acts, and the positive community impact.
Coverage often features interviews with event co-chairs and volunteers describing the thrill of “coming home” to Centennial Park after years away, or detailing the logistics of hosting tens of thousands of guests in a public space. The enthusiasm conveyed through these stories helps to sustain interest year after year.
Awards and Recognition
While Ribfest does not bestow official “industry” awards upon itself, its longevity and community engagement serve as recognition in their own right. Each participating ribber competes for festival honors — Best Ribs, Best Sauce, and People’s Choice — all decided by a blend of expert judges and audience votes.
The recurring champions often become minor celebrities within the barbecue circuit, returning annually to defend their titles. This competition keeps the culinary standards high and the crowds coming back.
The Kinsmen Club itself has also been commended within Kin Canada for its consistent fundraising success and volunteer organization. Its ability to keep the Ribfest thriving for over two decades is often cited as a model of grassroots community leadership.
Cultural and Social Significance
The Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest represents more than food and music — it embodies civic pride. It’s a testament to how volunteerism and celebration can intersect to strengthen a city’s identity.
For Sarnia, a city that values both its waterfront heritage and its tight-knit sense of community, the Ribfest acts as a cultural anchor. It provides an opportunity for residents to gather in a positive, inclusive environment. Children grow up associating the smell of barbecue smoke with the start of summer, and visitors leave with a sense of how deeply this small city cares about its people.
The festival also plays a symbolic role in Sarnia’s recovery stories. When Centennial Park reopened after years of environmental cleanup, the return of Ribfest was seen as proof of the city’s resilience. Each year that the event continues reinforces a shared optimism — the idea that Sarnia’s spirit, like its ribs, is best enjoyed slowly and with friends.
Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
To attend Sarnia’s Ribfest is to be immersed in a multi-sensory experience. The sound of sizzling meat mixes with live guitar riffs. The air is thick with the aroma of hickory smoke and sweet molasses glaze. Families sit on picnic benches, their hands sticky with sauce, as children chase balloons through the crowd.
Volunteers in bright shirts move briskly between stations, collecting donations, managing recycling bins, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s organized chaos — but it’s cheerful, generous chaos that leaves everyone smiling.
Visitors typically arrive mid-afternoon when the grills are at their hottest and the bands are warming up. The waterfront breeze offers relief from the summer sun, and as evening falls, the park lights up with laughter, music, and the glow of barbecue pits. It’s not unusual for locals to attend multiple days in a row — sampling new ribbers each night or returning for encore concerts.
Future Outlook and Evolution
Looking ahead, the Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest appears poised for continued success. The Kinsmen Club has consistently modernized its approach, expanding social-media promotion, partnering with sponsors, and emphasizing sustainability in waste management and vendor practices.
There’s also a growing effort to attract younger audiences through local craft beer partnerships, more diverse music lineups, and expanded family activities. The festival’s leadership has expressed a commitment to keeping admission affordable while enhancing accessibility and safety for all attendees.
Given the loyalty of its fan base and the professionalism of its organizers, Ribfest is likely to remain one of Sarnia’s premier annual attractions for decades to come.
SarniaRibFest.com tells a story that transcends barbecue: it’s a chronicle of community, perseverance, and joy. The Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest has evolved into a signature event that unites generations and celebrates the best of Canadian volunteerism.
It blends the heat of open-flame cooking with the warmth of civic pride, creating an experience that’s as heartfelt as it is delicious. Whether you come for the ribs, the music, or simply the camaraderie, Ribfest offers a rare reminder that great communities — like great barbecue — are built slowly, with care, and shared with love.
