The Central Manitoulin Lions Club is hosting its Annual Homecoming and Ribfest from July 2-5 in Mindemoya, featuring four rib vendors, a Canada-themed parade, local live music, and family events.
MINDEMOYA鈥擳he Central Manitoulin Lions Club Annual Homecoming Weekend and Manitoulin Ribfest is a combination of great music, great food and many events and activities that all members of the family will enjoy.
鈥淲e are following our successful formula of the past, having several bands and musicians who have proven to be popular in previous years, plus new performers and several new ribbers along with one who has been to our Ribfest previously,鈥 said Lion Marcus Mohr, a member of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club.
鈥淥ne of the new things we will have in place this year is that ATMs will be on site this year,鈥 said Lion Marcus. 鈥淎lso new for this year will be Manitoulin Ribfest swag for sale.鈥
鈥淲e have a lot of new bands and special performers that will perform live on the Jake鈥檚 Home Centre Stage during the weekend,鈥 said Lion Marcus.
Homecoming Weekend and Manitoulin Ribfest will take place July 2-5, with most events being held at the Mindemoya ballfields site on 6032 Highway 542 in Mindemoya. Lion Marcus said that among the new musical performers on hand this year include among them Station Radio, The Luke Combs Experience, Beautiful Crazy, who will be featured Friday evening, Green River Revival, a Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) tribute band who will be performing Saturday evening, Savage, Best and Gosse, a local band that will be playing on the weekend, local singer Aiyana Debassige, Silver Peak, a country duo, The Sisu and Tanner Duo (a country duo with fiddle) and many others. 鈥淲e have a lot of local performers such as Cole Hughson, Tristen Hall and The Studebaker Props who will be performing their song, 鈥楾he Mindemoya Shuffle.鈥 There will be deejayed music provided in between the live music acts during the weekend.
鈥淲e have four ribbers on hand this year, longtime favourite Go Gonzalez BBQ (Venezuelan inspired food), Holy Bites BBQ (Key West inspired food), Oak 87 (southern style) and Yeah Man BBQ (Canadian),鈥 said Lion Marcus.
There will be tickets sold during the weekend, and a draw held Sunday afternoon for an $8,700 ultimate backyard barbecue package, sponsored by Jake鈥檚 Home Centre.
Of course, what would a Homecoming Weekend be without a parade? This year鈥檚 parade, with the Celebrating Canada theme will take place Saturday morning starting at 11 am. 鈥淲e are sticking with the new parade route again this year, through Mindemoya from Meneray Towing to the Mindemoya Hall on Highway 542,鈥 continued Lion Marcus.
There will be a fireworks show held at dusk (10 pm) across the highway from Manitoulin Chrysler on Saturday evening.
The Central Manitoulin Market will take place Saturday and Sunday in the Mindemoya arena with up to 60 vendors selling handmade and direct sales products.
鈥淭here are also lots of kids activities during the weekend,鈥 said Lion Marcus. The Mindy Indy Soap Box Derby can be enjoyed by youngsters on Friday afternoon. On Saturday Bouncy Castles will be located beside the Lions Pavilion, while there is an ice cream eating contest, free kids face painting taking place Saturday afternoon along with other games and events. On Sunday afternoon children鈥檚 magic show with the 鈥楳agic of Christophe.鈥
The Mindemoya Classic Triathlon will take place Sunday morning.
Professional rib judging and awards will be presented on Saturday afternoon.
The event grounds will be licenced with a beer garden (no outside alcohol is permitted during the weekend). Admission to the grounds over the weekend is by donation with all proceeds going to benefit the local community. Lawn chairs are welcome.