Fireworks light up Fourth at Naperville’s Ribfest

Back on July 4 by popular demand, the fireworks show at Ribfest in Naperville is set to blast off at 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Last year’s fireworks show took place July 3, but Ribfest Chairman Marty Walker said guests prefer to experience the patriotic display of lights on Independence Day itself. So this year’s show will conclude the second day of Ribfest, which begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, and runs through Sunday, July 7.

Guests can enter Ribfest grounds at Knoch Park, along West Street between Hillside and Osler roads, free after 7:30 p.m. to catch a performance by classic rock cover band ARRA and find a spot to watch the fireworks. But the tunes won’t end when the blasts begin, Walker said.

“It’ll be synced with patriotic music,” he said of the 22-minute, 30-second show to be broadcast by 95.9 The River. “It’s absolutely incredible how they’re able to do that.”

All Walker and Ribfest organizers had to do was give the station a song list, and the station coordinated with Melrose Pyrotechnics to computerize the show and set it to music, he said.

The Naperville Exchange Club, running Ribfest for the 26th year in a row, is partnering with the city of Naperville and the Naperville Park District to fund the fireworks display.

West Street will be closed from Hillside road to Emerald Drive on July 4 to allow space for fireworks setup. Other Ribfest road closures include Martin Avenue from Brom Drive to West Street and Hillside Road from just west of Washington Street to West Street.