| Last updated at 7:52 AM on 31/07/08 |
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Nuts for Ribs organizer Mike Kydd (left) chows down with John McCarthy. |
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Nuts 4 Ribs raises profile of testicular cancer 
YVETTE D'ENTREMONT
Halifax News Net
Like most fathers, Michael Kydd was overwhelmed with emotion following the birth of his first child earlier this year.
But for Kydd, that emotion was heightened because a 2004 battle with testicular cancer had left him uncertain about whether he could father children. That's why this year's second annual Nuts 4 Ribs event in Bedford on Aug. 23 will be extra special.
"Having my baby Sophie there will be emotional for me. Being a testicular cancer survivor, one of my concerns was that (we) couldn't have a baby," he said.
During its inaugural 2007 kickoff, the testicular cancer awareness and fundraising event raised more than $25,000 and attracted more than 2,000 guests.
"That was a big, big thing for us. We developed a three- to five-year plan that would see this become a major tourist event for Nova Scotia, so it was good to see people from all over the province show up," said Kydd, executive director of Nuts 4 Ribs.
This year's 12-hour event will include a "cojones" cook-off, beer tent, 10 live musical acts, guest speaker Ron Foxcroft, and five rib vendors.
The vendors will prepare not just ribs, but pork and brisket as well. Smitty's Restaurant in Bedford, Choice Cuts Meat & Deli, Applebee's, M&M Meat Shop (Bedford) and Chives Canadian Bistro will all be preparing food onsite at Bedford's Dewolf Park.
"We are really trying to launch an authentic barbecue event, the kind you'd have in your own backyard in Nova Scotia," said Kydd.
Organizers are also overwhelmed by the support of a growing list of corporate sponsors who want to participate in the event as well as men of all ages who have stepped up to the plate to offer their services as volunteers.
"There's no official walk for testicular cancer awareness. This is the first ever event in the region that says guys, come out and celebrate what it means to be a man and learn more about your health, too," Kydd said.
Members of the local Harley Owners Group will also host a show and shine at the event. They recently announced Nuts 4 Ribs as their group's official charity.
All funds raised will be handed over to the Canadian Cancer Society-Nova Scotia division. The event's website notes that men need to be aware "if you don't check 'em, you risk losin' 'em!" Tongue in cheek merchandise for sale at the event includes the Nuts 4 Ribs tee shirt. The catch phrase "Grab Your Meat" is emblazoned across the back.
The Aug. 23 event takes place from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. at Bedford's Dewolf Park. More information about Nuts 4 Ribs can be found online at www.nuts4ribs.com.
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
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