Red Cross To be Part of Ninth Annual Rib America Festival

Great food, bands, chances to win prizes
and a great feeling from donating;
Daily Red Cross blood drives set May 23 – May 26

The American Red Cross is proud to once again be a part of the annual Memorial Day Weekend Rib America Festival in downtown St. Louis, by holding a blood drive each day of the festival.  The Red Cross uses the weekend event to kick off its summer push for blood awareness and donors.  Summer and the holidays are times when donors are traditionally in high demand.  Blood supplies nationwide typically reach critically low levels and all blood types are needed.

Rib America is held at Soldier’s Memorial Plaza (corner of Market & Tucker) across from City Hall. It features award-winning barbeque and music.  This year’s partnership includes an on-site Red Cross blood drive, daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, May 23 – Monday, May 26.  Presenting donors will receive a limited edition “Rock and Roll” t-shirt and be entered into a raffle to win a Lynyrd Skynyrd platinum record.

The Red Cross encourages festival goers to make donating blood a Memorial Day tradition.  A donation this holiday weekend may help someone enjoy the next holiday, a birthday or special event. 

Eligible donors should weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, be 17 years of age (16 with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form) and be in good health.  For more information please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or click here.  Donors will need to bring a photo ID or their Red Cross donor card.

For more information on the St. Louis Rib America Festival’s BBQ, music and more, please visit www.ribamerica.com.