CORNWALL – Seeing the collaboration between the Optimist Club of Cornwall and at least 17 local restaurants, city council has changed its mind on its support of Ribfest.
A motion, proposed by Coun. Todd Bennett, to reverse council’s decision at its last meeting to not allow a curbside sale of ribs in the civic complex parking lot passed.
Since that time, Optimist Club President Terry Muir worked with local restaurants to come up with a week-long “Ribfest Community Cookout” where buying a signature meal at a business would have 10 per cent of the proceeds go to the Optimist Club.
Bennett says his initial motive was to protect the restaurants which have had an “almost catastrophic” time because of coronavirus restraints. But he called Muir’s plan a “win-win-win” for Ribfest, the local businesses and the service clubs.
Coun. Syd Gardiner said he spoke with Muir Monday afternoon and that 17 restaurants were on board.
“I always like a good collaboration,” Mayor Bernadette Clement added in supporting the motion for our “own special version here (of Ribfest).”
The vote was unanimous.
Ribfest is slated for Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25 in the Cornwall Civic Complex parking lot with the restaurants participating between July 20 and July 25.