The event was started by the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium, with the proceeds going towards pre-applied charities. Guelph's Ribfest is generally sponsored by both local businesses and larger corporations like Sleeman Breweries. In addition to rib tasting and contests, it includes live entertainment, a classic car show, and the opportunity for fans to meet members of the Guelph Storm. The event has been known to have drawn almost 50,000 visitors over the course of three days on one occasion. The annual Festival of Lights takes place at Riverside Park and is entitled Sparkles in The Park. The event typically takes place beginning in the middle of December and is open to the public nightly from 5:30 PM. Sparkles in the Park begins with an opening celebration that includes a visit from Santa Claus and culminates with a large fireworks display on New Year's Eve that always draws a crowd. The Rotary Club of Guelph puts on the event as support to their selected charities. There is also a Christmas light display set-up throughout the park. Riverside Park is often host to many special events, one of which is Pollinator day. This event is spearheaded by an environmental advocacy group known as Pollination Guelph. Pollination Guelph is a non-profit, federally incorporated organization, devoted to the protection of the natural ecosystem. They use Pollinator Day to spread awareness and host workshops to educate attendees. Besides offering general knowledge about the process of pollination, they illustrate how to attract pollinating species of birds and insects, build bee nests, raise butterflies and differentiate between pollinating and non-pollinating plant species. At Riverside Park, participants of Pollinator Day also get to aid in the planting of dozens of pollinating species.