It’s a summer ritual that for many members of the Brock community signifies the start of the new school year.

The University’s Opening of Term barbecue is just around the corner and tickets are now on sale.

The annual community event for faculty and staff will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Jubilee Court and will include live music, lawn games and remarks from President Gervan Fearon. In the event of rain, the celebration will be moved inside to Market Hall.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the Campus Store or Thistle Welcome Desk until Monday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m.

Lunch will feature one of four burger creations:

• Beef burger — 100 per cent beef burger topped with caramelized onion, sautéed thyme mushrooms, cheddar cheese and grainy Dijon mustard.
• Chicken souvlaki burger — Greek marinated chicken thigh topped with lemon-mint tzatziki and organic greens.
• East coast salmon burger — fresh Atlantic salmon topped with watercress, thinly sliced onion and homemade tartar sauce.
• Malibu burger — 100 per cent vegan burger topped with grilled red pepper and alfalfa sprouts and drizzled with Vegenaise special sauce.

Burgers will be served with a side of balsamic sweet pepper pasta with spinach salad and grilled corn Caprese quinoa salad. Gluten-free buns and lettuce wraps will be available for the burgers. Dessert and beverages will be also be provided.

A record-breaking crowd of 500 faculty and staff attended last year’s event.