Naperville's Ribfest more than just barbecue
Despite its meaty title, Naperville's Ribfest will include much more than just award-winning barbecue when it opens Thursday for its four-day holiday weekend run in Knoch Park near downtown.
The festival, which supports more than a dozen area charities in an effort to extinguish domestic violence, raised more than $550,000 last year. Bob Black, president of the Exchange Club of Naperville, which organizes the fest, said it causes a twofold effect on the city.
“I think there is both the entertainment value of enjoying a nice day or night at the park and the aspect of what comes out of that,” Black said. “We can really have a positive impact on those who are doing such good work to help out in our community.”
The fest runs from noon to 10 p.m. each day in the park at 724 S. West St. Tickets are $12 in advance for adults and $15 at the gate.
Organizers have been working hard to spice up the festival's 28th year with an international and craft beer tasting tent, star-studded musical lineup, new rib vendors and more.
A $40 ticket for adults 21 or older includes general admission and access to Ribfest's newest feature: an international and craft beer tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. July 3 and 4. The beer tent will be comprised of brewers and cicerones (beer sommeliers) assisting participants in sampling 18 beers from more than 35 selections, providing food pairing suggestions and instructing several educational seminars. All customers also will receive a gift bag and be given the opportunity to win prizes.
Those who are not quite 21 can view magic shows, feed farm animals in the petting zoo, joust and more in Naperville Bank and Trust and Junior Savers Club Family Area.
Another new feature tacked onto this year's musical performances is front-of-stage-reserved tickets. Ribfest Chairman Bob Pschirrer said the tickets will serve as general admission as well and can range from $30 to $52 per night. They will allow festivalgoers to get up close up and personal with musicians such as Paul Rodgers of Bad Company, Sammy Hagar, Kellie Pickler and the Band Perry.
“I'm looking forward to seeing a big crowd of people enjoying themselves,” Pschirrer said. “We're trying to offer up a little bit of country music this year, and we're getting a lot of buzz about it.”
Pschirrer hopes that buzz, along with 2014 best-rib winners Desperado's, Robinson's, Uncle Bub's and fierce new contenders, will draw the festival's typical 250,000 to 500,000 attendees.
Other attractions include carnival rides, a Fiesta Latina July 3 from noon to 10 p.m. and fireworks on the Fourth beginning at 9:30 p.m.
“It's a great cause. We do a lot of good in the community,” Pschirrer said. “It's hard work, but I really enjoy being a part of it.”
If you go
What: Exchange Club of Naperville's Ribfest
Where: Knoch Park, 724 S. West St., Naperville
When: Thursday through Sunday, July 2-5
Cost: $12 online; $15 at the gate; free for ages 11 and younger
Info: www.ribfest.net or (630) 259-1129