Ribfest should add shuttle service

Sydney has just experienced its first Rotary Ribfest and from all accounts it was an amazing success. Congratulations are in order to the Sydney Sunrise, Sydney, North Sydney and New Waterford Rotary Clubs for their vision and organizational skills to host such a mammoth event.

The proceeds from the ribfest went to Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County and they were thrilled with the generosity of all the patrons. Everyone was glad to support such a worthy cause.

Ribfest had been advertised for many weeks prior to taking place last weekend and as I read more about it I was determined to go. It sounded like a really fun event in support of a great charity and, besides, I love ribs.

The weekend finally arrived and with anticipation I read a list of regulations to be observed. One was no parking permitted anywhere on the terminal. It took a while for that to really register. I had hoped there would be some parking available at the far end of the dock — the space used by tour guides when the cruise ships are in.

In hindsight, I realized that this area would never have been adequate and that the ribfest was strictly a walk-to event.

Since I have difficulty walking uphill and the hill from the dock area to the esplanade is very steep I realized that I could not attend this event.

I have never felt so excluded in my life. Couldn’t there have been a shuttle bus to transport people like myself from the esplanade to the dock area?

It could have been running back and forth all day and not interfered with anything. I am sure there were many others like myself who were very disappointed that they were not able to attend.

I am pleased to hear that the ribfest will be back next year and I hope that there will be shuttle service provided. I’m looking forward to seeing you on the dock. Beth Matheson Marion Bridge