The Rotary Club of Oshawa is calling on community members to help bring the annual Oshawa Ribfest back to Lakeview Park this summer. Organizers are looking for more than 250 volunteers to assist with the event, which is set to run from August 14-16, 2026.
The festival, which has been a local tradition since 2002, is known for attracting between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors each year. According to the Oshawa Rotary Ribfest website, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the event remains a success. Available positions include joining the gate team, acting as parking stewards, helping in the kids zone, and managing wheelbarrow raffle ticket sales. Those who sign up for a four-hour shift will receive a food voucher to enjoy during the festivities.
The event serves as a major fundraiser for the community, with 100 percent of net proceeds going toward local and international causes. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than $1 million. A primary beneficiary is the 151 Chadburn Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, an organization the Rotary Club of Oshawa has supported for over 80 years. This funding helps support various youth initiatives, including scholarships like the John A. Walker Memorial Scholarship, which was awarded to cadet Caitlin Zhang in 2025.
The Rotary Club of Oshawa, which was established in 1920, relies on the efforts of its members and community volunteers to manage the planning and operations of the festival. Residents interested in volunteering for this year’s event can find more information and sign up through the official Ribfest website.
