Lamar Mac, left, loads a smoker with seasoned ribs from Aubrey McDonald on Thursday as they begin setup for the 29th annual Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville. Both men are with Johnson's Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que in Norfolk, Virginia. The festival runs noon to 10 p.m. Friday through Monday.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
It's almost time to join the crowds, pack the park and enjoy some ribs and rock during the 29th annual Ribfest in Naperville.
Exchange Club of Naperville members, Naperville Park District employees, volunteers and vendors have been setting up for the annual extravaganza this week in anticipation of its opening at noon Friday at Knoch Park, 724 S. West St.
Ribfest runs noon to 10 p.m. each day until Monday, concluding with a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
Musical headliners include 3 Doors Down, Sheryl Crow, Lee Brice and the Gin Blossoms. Food selections feature 12 ribbers and two dozen food vendors. Entertainment options include a carnival and family fun area.
Tickets are $12 for adults between noon and 3 p.m. and free for children 11 and younger. General admission for concerts is available at ribfest.net or at the gate for $20 or $25, front of stage tickets are $50 or $60 and VIP sponsors tent tickets are $125 or $150, depending on the day.
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Lamar Mac of Johnson's Hickory Smoked Bar-B-Que in Norfolk, Virginia, seasons ribs Thursday before placing them in the smoker before the 29th annual Ribfest opens at noon Friday at Knoch Park in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Billy Hedrick, left, and Eric Crowley slice onions to become blooming onions on Thursday to prepare for the 29th annual Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Keisaun Carano checks out the alignment of award banners for Smokin' Joe's Hog Wild Barbeque during setup Thursday for the 29th annual Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Dariana Slater of Naperville delivers ice to Ribfest vendors Thursday while Knoch Park was being transformed into the site for the 29th annual fest, which runs through the Fourth of July.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
Carnival rides are up and running Thursday as vendors and volunteers prepare for the 29th annual Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville.
Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com