End of an era for Niagara Falls Ribfest, Rotary Club cites mounting costs

The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise says the Niagara Ribfest has run its course, citing mounting costs and lack of community participation as a few reasons in its decision to end the lip-smacking event.

In a press release the club wrote of declining revenue and a “noticeable decrease in community participation.”

Launched in 2005, the Niagara Falls Rotary Ribfest has often been held on Father’s Day weekend — generally the third Sunday in June — at Rapidsview Park. Over the years it’s raised more than half a million dollars for area charities.

Tawnya Hartford, president of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise, said: “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Despite the event ending, Hartford added that the Rotary Club continues to serve the Niagara Falls community in other “new and meaningful ways.”

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