Rib event supports health foundation

The 2018 edition of Rhythm ‘n Ribs turned a solid profit, allowing the event organizers to contribute $38,782 to the Health Foundation.

The presentation was made at a press conference Friday.

Health Foundation co-chair Diane Rusnak said the money will go to completing an upgrade to the laboratory facilities at the Sunrise Health Centre in Yorkton. “The lab is a big part of the hospital here,” she said.

The hospital laboratory is the fourth busiest in the province, said Health Foundation Executive Director Ross Fisher, adding it serves people from a large area around the city.

The equipment upgrade at the laboratory will allow for faster test results which means quicker reports back to doctors, said Fisher.

Rhythm ‘n Ribs co-chairs Bruce Thurston and Ron Skinner said the donation was a gratifying one as it shows growth in terms of the event, which operated at a break-even level in year one.

“This year was a huge success,” said Thurston, “we made a lot of money that the Health Foundation can put toward the purchase of new equipment for the lab in the Yorkton Regional Hospital and we held an event that is good for Yorkton and Region.” 

“Our goal when we started organizing this event two years ago was to create an event that people would enjoy, that people would attend in large numbers, and to have it be a free event that would be family friendly; the kind of event that would have something for everyone over the three days” continued Thurston. “We think we’ve succeeded. That’s not to say we won’t be tweaking the event and trying to make it better, because we will be, but we think we’re on the right path and people are pleased with how everything is set up.”

Thurston said a key to a better year two was “we listened to patrons.”

Ron Skinner added, “There were over 15,000 who attended Rhythm ‘n Ribs again this year, so people must enjoy it. Last year was our first year and people were curious about the event, but they came out in huge numbers for a first year event. This year it was a busy weekend with a lot of competing activities, and the event still grew.” 

Last year, they heard people wanted longer hours and more bands than solo musicians. Those changes definitely helped.

There was also interest in food that was not all barbecue-based. Six alternate food trucks selling things such as Mexican dishes, poutine, and deep fried desserts also helped.

The event broadened the entertainment package with a car show one day and a more family-friendly atmosphere with activities for youngsters on Sunday.

Plans are already under way for year three, with dates set for July 26-28.