Ribfest organizers celebrate chart-topping crowds

Ribfest attendance topped the charts this year.

The Naperville Exchange Club's four-day festival in Knoch Park drew about 255,600 visitors, according to Chairman Don Emery.

While he did not have the exact figures available for past festivals, he estimates the previous attendance record for a four-day event was just less than 250,000 people. Last year's five-day festival brought in about 263,000 people.

"We had great weather, that helped us," Emery said of Ribfest 2008. "We really tried to create four good musical days ... and we emphasized putting people in the family area during the day. While the (discount) coupon didn't work perfectly, if we can communicate it exactly it's a good idea."

Musical headliners this year were Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon - which played before a sold-out crowd - Joan Jett and Trace Adkins. Typically country music acts don't go over all that well at Ribfest, Emery said, but Adkins drew huge crowds this year.

Another key component to this year's success, he said, was the 3,700 volunteers, including his own family and Exchange Club members who spent their days and nights at Knoch Park.

"It's a really nice four-day music festival, food and family area but the reason we get to give away so much money is because so many people donate their time," he said.

Proceeds from Ribfest will benefit charities that fight child abuse and domestic violence. Last year the group raised $800,000. Financial figures from this year's event should be available in about six to eight weeks.

Despite a couple snafus along the way, Emery is pleased with the overall event.

"Seeing the event come together was very cool," he said. "Seeing your colleagues step up was very cool. Having your family involved, it doesn't get any cooler.

"I just need a week to recover."