Waterford Legion hosts 4th Annual Ribfest

Waterford Legion member Ed Lemery sets up the barbecue for more ribs at the Legion’s 4th Annual Ribfest on August 8.

Chris Abbott

Editor

One hundred racks of ribs were prepared for the 4th Annual Ribfest at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 123 Waterford on Saturday, August 8.

Live music was provided by Mary Simon (3-6 p.m.) and The Killin’ Time Band (6-10 p.m.).“It’s growing – it fluctuates every year,” said Legion member and grillmaster Ed Lemery.

 “This year, there’s been a lot going here and in Norfolk County. Everything’s getting busier and busier.

“Ribfests are everywhere now,” he added with a smile. “When I first started it, there wasn’t many. Now, everybody has it.”

Mark Kozicki (Kozicki Produce) donated corn for the event. Townsend Butchers supplied the ribs.

The Waterford Legion also hosts a popular barbecue chicken fundraiser in June – and chicken lovers will be glad to know there’s another one coming up soon.

“We usually run a fundraiser in September with brisket and barbecue chicken,” said Lemery. “We also do a couple steak barbecues through the year. I try to change it up.” Nationally, Royal Canadian Legion recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Waterford Legion’s 100th is coming up in a couple years.

“We have our 100-year of this Legion in 2028, so we’ll be doing a whole week of events, and some games days – a Legion Olympics sort of thing.”

Waterford Legion’s annual chili cookoff returns in March 2027 – open to the community to compete, and sample.

“Next year we are hosting it, but we’re also doing a Legion challenge,” said Lemery, a two-time champion. 

“The thought behind that is, whoever wins it gets to host it the next year, supporting other Legions.”