REO Speedwagon making hasty return to Ribfest

REO Speedwagon is making a speedy return to Naperville.

The band sold out its 2006 appearance at Naperville's Ribfest when it headlined the third night of the annual Fourth of July weekend party at Knoch Park.

This year, the group will be performing July 4, which is a departure for the four-day festival that is celebrating its 21st anniversary this summer. Exchange Club of Naperville organizers normally choose a country music performer to headline the main stage on Independence Day.

Ribfest Chairman Don Emery said organizers booked REO Speedwagon for July 4 because it was a proven attraction. REO also has a heavy Illinois following since forming more than three decades ago in Champaign.

That also could signal an all-rock main stage lineup for the festival that is being held July 3-6 this year, though Emery said they've got feelers out to country performers to fill a main stage slot for one of the three nights yet to be booked.

Ribfest is Naperville's largest citywide festival and the largest charity event of any Exchange Club in the United States. Last year, Ribfest raised more than $800,000 for local charities that work to fight and prevent child abuse.