It's the biggest party of the summer in Sault Ste. Marie; the annual Rotaryfest is on once again.
The event features music, food and rides as always, but this year, there's something extra special to celebrate.
Rides are whirling, ribs are sizzling, and car draw tickets are being sold as the three-day Rotaryfest gets underway.
Paul Walz is this year’s Chair of the annual festival.
"It's really an important way for us to say ‘thank you’ to the people of Sault Ste. Marie. We have free rides for the kids. We have free concerts all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday. So, it will be great." said Walz.
Local Rotarians say the 2018 event is special because the club is celebrating its 100th year in Sault Ste. Marie.
Shaun Antler is the Rotaryfest music director:
"Because it is the 100th birthday of Rotary Club, if we could get some of those bands who performed in Sault Ste. Marie over the decades. A portion of those 100 years, we went back as far as the 1960s and we have bands representing each decade right up to the 2010s." said Antler.
Newly-minted Sault Ste. Marie Rotary Club President, Bob Carricato, says the club doesn't last a century without the tireless work of its members and support from the community.
The local chapter holds its largest fundraiser of the year at Rotaryfest with the annual car draw.
"We probably will net around $180,000. And it goes to all the charities here in Sault Ste. Marie. And it's all about helping those in need." said Carricato.
Although there is a threat of inclement weather Saturday, he says the annual Rotaryfest Parade will take place as planned, unless a thunderstorm rolls in.
