The Cambridge Ribfest is the Rotary Ribfest

This past weekend was the Cambridge Ribfest 2019. I believe this is the fourth in what has become an annual event.

At the same time there was a ribfest in Hamilton and I am sure there were several others this weekend. I am just as certain that Cambridge is not unique in the way the ribfest is run.

 

It’s called the Cambridge Ribfest but in truth it is the Rotarians Ribfest. Not that it is only for Rotarians, it’s for everyone but it is run by our local Rotary Clubs. Like everything Rotary it lives up to the four way test:

1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

This is probably one of, if not the largest fundraiser for our local Rotary Clubs.

Have you ever noticed how many people live their lives with the principle “will it make my community a better place to live?” Now I’m not suggesting every person that thinks like this is a Rotarian, but I can assure you every Rotarian thinks this way.

Is it the truth?

What you see is what you get. There were no hidden agendas and no hidden prices. Live entertainment was free to everyone, whether buying ribs or not.

Is it fair to all concerned?

Who are the stakeholders: The Rotary Clubs, the food providers, the public, the bands and entertainers. I don’t believe the Rotary club would be doing this if it did not raise money for their projects. The food providers, wouldn’t come back year after year it it wasn’t beneficial. For the public it was an opportunity for some great food and a chance to get together with friends and family. A lot of local bands received exposure and the opportunity to perform.

This is a Rotary event staffed by volunteers. I saw a number of Rotarians throughout the event working the gate and emptying garbage cans. Volunteers were cleaning tables, directing parking, and collecting donations. Entry to the event and parking were all free. Volunteers collected donations that went into the coffers of the Rotary clubs, enabling them to do the good works in the community. For example when they make out that cheque for the local hospital – this is where that money comes from. When they give a local student an opportunity of a lifetime to participate in a Rotary International Student exchange – this is where that money comes from. If I had any disappointment it was with the small number of participants I witnessed making a donation. Inclusion meant it was there for everyone but I am certain there were many others that could afford to donate a loonie or twonie to further the cause.

Will it build good will and better friendships?

The pictures are worth a thousand words – each.

A number of the volunteers were students. This is our future and what a great way to teach them about giving back and community involvement. I hope the Rotary clubs will consider including some of these students when they are making donations to their various causes. It would be nice for the students to see the benefits of their hard work and how it is benefiting the community.

Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Running a clean and healthy event is beneficial to all concerned.

How beneficial depends on us. How open are our hearts and minds to the what is accomplished by these hard working volunteers and community leaders?

Thanks Rotary for all you do to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.