Mississauga Rotary Ribfest

by Festival Nomad, Gary McWilliams

Rotary Clubs…

Rotary Clubs across the world raise money to help fund worthwhile causes. Many of these Rotary Clubs, especially in North America, raise their monies through community events.

One popular event with Rotarians is the “Ribfest”. A Ribfest is a wonderful way to satisfy the hungry appetites of the visitors while satisfying the competitive nature of the professional “Ribber“.

Ribfests usually include other activities such as entertainment, arts and crafts, and midways. Each Rotary Club offers their own version of a Ribfest.

Being rib lovers, Judi and I decided to visit the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest located at Mississauga’s city centre.

The Savory Smell…

It was midday on a cool bright Sunday when we set off for Mississauga, our mouths watering at the thought of the ribs to come! When we arrived close the Square One Shopping Mall, we knew we were in the right place.

We could smell was the “savory scent of ribs” as they cooked on open barbeques and hear the “beat of live music” coming from the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest grounds! We found a convenient parking spot and then walked to the Ribfest.

We were greeted by the Rotary volunteers and a “humongous” pink pig! As we started to explore the festival, we were offered foam Ribfest cowboy hats and plastic bibs.

The grounds were extremely crowded with hungry visitors, all milling along the long line of Ribbers, trying to decide which ribs to purchase. Some ribbers had longer lines then others, did those people know something we didn’t?

We started walking along the gauntlet of ribs and people, stopping along the way at each ribbers booth, taking in the sights and smells of the festival. We knew we had to choose soon and that it was going to be a difficult decision.

It was all too much! So many Ribbers plus 5 “craft brewers” offering great cold beer to wash it all down!

We walked the whole line before reversing and then walked back. Decision time had come! Really, it was just a matter of making an “uneducated” guess. We chose one and we’re glad we did! The Ribs were fantastic!

Lots More to See…

With our hunger satisfied, we decided to explore the rest of the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest. First we walked to the midway and watched the children enjoying carnival rides and games.

From there we followed the pathway, where the vendors were located. The number and variety of products being offered was great. We stopped at many of the booths to examine the products and to talk with the vendors.

All in all, it was a very interesting experience.

As we neared the end of the vendors section, we once again heard music.

We found a walkway that led to an picnic area. Tables had been set up for visitors to sit and eat their delicious ribs! This set up was great because picnic tables had been set up in front of the main stage. Festival visitors could eat and listen at the same time.

The musicians on stage, when we were there, were very entertaining and we enjoyed listening to them.

From there we went back out to where the crowds were milling and enjoyed the excitement and energy of the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest!

For anyone who enjoys savory ribs, great music and lots of fun, the Mississauga Rotary Ribfest is a great event to experience it all!