SooToday cameras were on site as Rotaryfest kicked off on Thursday.
The 2021 event has a different look compared to other years with COVID-19 restrictions, including social distancing measures, in place.
The three day event, which was held virtually last year, features a drive-thru Ribfest and more than a dozen musical acts performing in the parking lot of the former Lowe's at the corner of Northern Avenue and Great Northern Road.
Those attending the drive-in stage must be inside a vehicle.
As stated on the RotaryFest website, motorized mobility scooters and power wheelchairs, e-bikes, bicycles and motorcycles are welcome to attend Ribfest, but "cannot occupy a spot at the OLG and SooToday Stage drive-in concert as they do not meet the requirements of the Ontario guidelines for drive-in events."
"We understand that this creates a barrier for people in our community, many of whom regularly attend RotaryFest in Clergue Park," states Rotary. "We want to emphasize that this decision was made out of concern for the safety of our attendees and in order to comply with Ontario guidelines. We miss you all very much – walkers, drivers, rollers, and everyone in between. This change to the festival is a temporary stop on our way to returning to Clergue Park (hopefully next year!)"
This year's live entertainment will be broadcast to festival-goers via FM transmitter at 107.1 FM.
"You'll be able to see the band, for the most part, but you won't be able to hear it without the radio - there's some sound, but we aren't projecting the music loudly," said Carolyn Bunting O’Connor, events manager for the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, in an interview with SooToday ahead of the event.
RotaryFest runs through Saturday evening.
Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that those using motorized mobility scooters and power wheelchairs, e-bikes, bicycles and motorcycles were permitted to attend the OLG and SooToday Stage drive-in concert. The article has been corrected.