Carpenters' Local 1256 has stepped up to be the presenting sponsor for the 2020 Sarnia Kinsmen Ribfest.
The new partnership was announced at Tourism Sarnia-Lambton on Venetian Boulevard in Point Edward Tuesday morning.
Ribfest Chairman Jack Struck, a Kinsmen member of close to 50 years, said he received the good news over the holidays.
"It was a call that everybody would like to have at Christmas," said Struck. "It was a call of wealth and a call of great things and by receiving the call and asking the question, 'is number one [sponsorship] spot taken?', I said no, he said, 'it is now!' I know I had to be hesitant on the phone because I didn't say anything for a few minutes because it was such a great feeling."
The sponsorship puts the event, which has been plagued by rain in the past, on solid ground.
"Weather makes you or breaks you. We've been very fortunate with bad weather to still end up not in the red and with this the red isn't going to come."
Struck said they have five ribbers confirmed for the event, to be held Father's Day weekend, June 19-21, in Canatara Park.
"Three of them have been with us for 21 years, we have the artisan organization, we're hoping to have 40 vendors this year and we're having all tribute bands, plus the fact we're having a band on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday."
Further details, including the full entertainment lineup, can be found on the event's new website www.sarniakinribfest.com.
