TOLEDO -- With CitiFest now history, what will happen with those downtown Toledo traditions like Taste of the Town and the Rib-off?
News 11's Rob Wiercinski reported live from Promenade Park.
Citifest hosted rib-tasting events at Promenade Park after the original Rib-off event moved out to the rec center. Today it was announced a new partnership has been formed to keep that tradition alive in downtown Toledo.
People enjoyed themselves at Ribs on the River most recently held last August. The big draw is to be able to sample ribs from different vendors and be entertained along the riverfront. Now, the American Red Cross is teaming up with Columbia Gas to hold a similar event on August 1-3. It's going to be called Smoke on the Water -- Ribs for the Red Cross. While there was no mention of which vendors or bands will be there, event sponsors are hoping for big crowds and a successful event.
Jodie Tienvieri of the Red Cross tells News 11, "We believe this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Not only is it going to help us continue the mission of the Red Cross, but it's going to raise needed funds for community members who may be experiencing disaster or emergency."
As far as filling the void left by CitiFest, a spokesman for Mayor Finkbeiner says the city is getting close to lining up some sort of agreement for downtown event planning. Just who that'll include, or if city funds will be involved, is not known at this time.
