The organizers of two popular Chatham events have joined forces to offer both activities over the same weekend.
Rims and Ribs will combine RetroFest and Ribfest Chatham from May 26 to May 28 in downtown Chatham and Tecumseh Park.
The decision comes after Chris Glassford, owner of Summit Shows Canada, announced last summer that his Ribfest event would have to find a new venue due to construction in Tecumseh Park scheduled later this year.
A news release from the Historic Downtown Chatham BIA, which organizes RetroFest, said teaming up was the “best solution” for all involved with both events.
“When we were approached by RetroFest to have both events on the same weekend, we had to give it some thought,” Connie Beneteau, project manager of the BIA, said in the release.
“RetroFest is one of the top 100 Festivals in Ontario and we wanted to be mindful of what attendees expect. We met with the Kent Historic Auto Club, who is our partner for RetroFest, and discussed the idea. Everyone agreed that a change would be welcomed.”
The release said Summit Shows Canada has indicated Ribfest might not have happened this year if not for the agreement with RetroFest.
“This is a perfect example of how event organizers are willing to work together,” said Nancy Dudley, co-chair of the BIA. “We believe that this year’s Rims and Ribs weekend will be a great time for all.”
The regular cruise on the Friday night of the RetroFest event will be modified and new “enhancements” will be added to the activities in Tecumseh Park, according to the release.
The updated schedule of the combined events will be announced shortly, RetroFest organizers said.