The Sarnia Kinsmen 2020 Ribfest has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Event Chair Jack Struck said they've decided to put it off until 2021 given the uncertainty of whether or not large gatherings will be allowed to take place this summer.
"What we planned this year was going to be a big year. It was going to be father's day weekend and we had a lot of stuff planned. It's out 90th birthday for Kinsmen in Sarnia and it's our 100th anniversary for Kinsmen in Canada. So we had a lot of good things happening," said Struck. "Now we just move forward to another year. That's all we can do."
Stuck said it's disappointing because they've put a lot of work into the event already.
"We have over 1,300 hours in. Just planning and putting things together, writing, sending out mail, getting vendors. We had some real good vendors this year. In fact, some of the vendors we had, also went to the Canadian EX in Toronto and they're going to be cancelled too."
Over the years the Kinsmen have raised over $1 million for the community and supported many initiatives.
Struck said they're still helping people during the pandemic.
"We've been doing it discreetly, I think we're doing our share. We would probably like to do more, but you have to make sure you don't drain the bank account."
Five ribbers had been confirmed for the event, which was to be held June 19-21, in Canatara Park.
Tourism Sarnia Lambton Special Events & Sport Marketing Co-Ordinator Vicky Praill said the Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest has become a marquee family-friendly event with an annual attendance of over 15,000.
"This three-day event of family fun offers great food and live entertainment that has not only been enjoyed for over 20 years by local residents, but by visitors alike. It has truly become a signature event for our community," said Praill. "Like other events that have been cancelled, we will continue to work with them and we are confident that they will come back next year stronger and better than ever."